I came across this story on social media and thought it would be worth the share. It highlights the issue of social disparity and the ironies of life, where we are so very willing to steal from those that are desolate and need our help the most; yet are quick to better those who already have advantageous positions in life. Sort of making the rich richer, and the poor even poorer. One might believe that they themselves are incapable of such deeds however, this story illustrates how this culture is prevalent within society.
She asked him,“How much are you selling the eggs for?”
The old seller replied to her “Rs.5/- for one egg, Madam.”
She said to him “I will take 6 eggs for Rs.25/- or I will leave.”
The old seller replied “Come take them at the price you want… May be this is a good beginning because I have not been able sell to anyone today.”
She took the eggs and walked away with a feeling that she had won. She got into her fancy car and went to pick her friend, and invited her to a posh restaurant.
She and her friend sat down and ordered what they liked. They ate a little and left a lot of what they’d ordered.
Then she went to pay the bill. The bill was Rs.1,400/-. She gave him Rs. 1,500/- and said to the owner of the restaurant: “Keep the change.”
This incident may seem quite normal to the owner of the restaurant. But it is very painful for the poor egg seller.
The bottom line is: Why do we always show that we have power when we buy from the needy and the poor? And why are we generous with those who do not need our generosity?
Every time a poor child comes to me to sell something simple, I remember a tweet from the son of a rich man who said, “After every prayer my father used to buy simple goods from poor people at expensive prices, even though he did not need them. Sometimes he used to pay more for them. I used to get concerned by this act and I asked him about it. Then my father told me: ” It is charity wrapped with dignity, my son.” To read more posts by Anne, click HERE
Photo Credit: http://4datwoman.org/
