Sterling Terrell

smart ideas from books

Both Animals And Humans Will Give Up Freedom For This

Both Animals And Humans Will Give Up Freedom For This

This is a fantastic and telling story of a wealthy industrialist.

The story goes that he bought a zoo and wanted to exhibit an animal that others considered uncatchable – a specific type of gazelle.

With entourage in tow, the industrialist soon set off for Africa to find the animal.

And, with a little patience, he easily caught not just one, but an entire heard.

Haunting, here, however, are the implications on human behavior.

What would you give up?

“When he was asked how he knew how to catch them, he said something that chills me to the bone: “I treat animals the same way I treat people: I give them what they want. I give them food and shelter. In exchange, they give me their beauty and their freedom.””

-Andy Andrews, The Seven Decisions

Benjamin Franklin On Debt

Benjamin Franklin On Debt

Here is Benjamin Franklin on debt as a handcuff.

For debt ties you down.

Conversely, while debt is restrictive, cash gives you space to maneuver.

And it does not matter if we are talking about business, sports, careers, or war – having space to maneuver is invaluable.

Space to move without restriction – is freedom.

Beware: We have to constantly ask what we are after, or if we are simply moving the goal.

“Think what you do when you run in debt: you give another power over your liberty. If you cannot pay at the time, you will be ashamed to see your creditor; you will be in fear when you speak to him; you will make poor, sneaking excuses, and by degrees come to lose your honesty and sink into base lying.”

-Benjamin Franklin, The Way To Wealth