The Gift Economy, And Why It’s Refreshing
Business, Marketing, Blogging – it all seems so forced sometimes. The push/pull mentality that often surrounds these services is what ends up being corrosive. Why is it that we tend to look for the benefit of the transaction, instead of the joy in making a contribution? I’ve talked about attention and the effect it can have on economics. But is attention what we really ought to be seeking after? What is the benefit for the one giving the attention? Is there a benefit?
Most would say it’s our instinct to look out for ourselves first, make sure we are taken care of, receive something for our efforts. But do we actually gain anything by forcing others to listen to us? Would the intention of serving others perhaps fulfill the original desire of ‘receiving’ something for our efforts? There is a lot of concern as to whether the US market economy is unstable and tipsy at best, but what about the Gift Economy? Granted, the market economy is important and does have a close tie with our lifestyle, career, and security but where does the Gift Economy come into play? Does it matter?
The Gift Economy holds together the most vital characteristic of society – Love. Without love everything else falls apart. The market economy could be at its peak, but without the steady heartbeat of the Gift Economy, money holds no value, trust doesn’t exist, security is worthless, and freedom is useless.
What would happen if we took a different approach? What if we changed our strategy? What if we cared more about the customer than ourselves? What if we truly wanted to serve instead of take? Would we be setting ourselves up entirely, at the mercy of those “devouring” our precious gifts? Yes, probably. But who would win? For me, it all comes down to what constitutes winning. When the dust settles, what prize matters most? Is it money, popularity, knowledge, power? All of these are natural acquisitions when participating in the Gift Economy, but no that’s not really what I care about. I care about loving others well. And the only way to successfully accomplish this is to be part of the Gift Economy.
Are you participating in the Gift Economy? What are your thoughts on the Gift Economy and its effect on Business, Marketing, Blogging, etc?
Hi David,
I like this post. You make me (and others), think.
I agree that by giving we get so much more in return. Not necessarily monetarily, but emotionally. Can you put a price tag on that?
Let’s face it, the rest of it, is just “stuff”.
I don’t really understand what you mean by GiftEconomy.
Of course the market works well without trust. Thats what we have the court system for…. and you can take someone to court if they break a contract or don’t pay you.
The market relies on selfishness. Everyone trying to make the most money, which means they have to sell the best product at the best prices….. and so the consumer wins! Selfishness is best for everyone!
Obviously there still needs to be fair laws…… but look at systems which rely on “Love” – communism…. which is evil!
The idea that you don’t have the right to what you produce is evil.
Capitalism is the unequal sharing of wealth. Communism is the equal sharing of poverty.
@ Barbara – Thanks. You’re absolutely right, everything else is just “stuff”; stuff that is commonly considered much more valuable then it really is. Like I said, “It all comes down to what constitutes winning”.
@ Adam – Thanks for joining in on the conversation. :)
I can see where you are coming from. I think their are a lot of business-minded people that have similar perspectives.
I don’t think selling “the best product at the best prices” is a result of selfishness, it is simply the law of supply and demand. Without it, capitalism wouldn’t exist. However, the Gift Economy is well beyond capitalism. The Gift Economy is based on a totally different value system. Value and worth, isn’t found in money, power, knowledge, etc, it is all based on Love.
I totally agree with you in the fact that we do need laws. Without laws, we would utterly destroy ourselves. The Gift Economy isn’t a replacement of our judicial system, it is simply an expression of Love.
Communism is the farthest thing from Love. In communism their is no freedom, and individual values are stripped away, leaving an empty cold-hearted society. Love provides infinite freedom and joy.
I appreciate your thoughts. I think what we value differs significantly, and I can see why you may be confused. However, I admire your courage in challenging the thought of a Gift Economy and how participating in it effects our well-being.
David, thanks for your response.
Communism is based completely on love and unselfishness.
“From each according to their ability, to each according to their need.”
“To each according to their need.” – That is the ultimate love and ultimate selflessness.
Under communism, other peoples needs have priority over your own. You work so other people have healthcare, food, clothing….. etc.
Under total capitalism, with no socialist programs…. you work only for yourself. And you get the money you earned.
Have you read Atlas Shrugged?
Mr. Lano,
I love this part “but no that’s not really what I care about. I care about loving others well. And the only way to successfully accomplish this is to be part of the Gift Economy.”
Fine post, keep sharing, you have a gift.
Edie
@Adam – No, I haven’t is it good?
@Edie – Thanks for your compliments! :)