Here is an excerpt from the play “The Merchant of Venice” by William Shakespeare. Shylock, the merchant, puts forth this proposal to Antonio who is desperately seeking a loan from Shylock.
This kindness will I show.
Go with me to a notary, seal me there
Your single bond; and, in a merry sport,
If you repay me not on such a day,
In such a place, such sum or sums as are
Express’d in the condition, let the forfeit
Be nominated for an equal pound
Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken
In what part of your body pleaseth me.
For those who haven’t seen the play, or the movie, or read a book about it, Antonio readily agrees to this bond (!).
What makes him do this? In our language, he has read the “fine print” and understands what that means, and yet he agress to the debt, signs the bond, and almost looses his heart (literally) over it.
We all get into such deals at times, with a subsequent reaction “What was I thinking?”. We know the dangers involved in the deal, but the impulse is just too great to resist. We give ourselves false hopes that everything will work in our favor, and don’t think about what will happen if things go wrong. In short, impulse blinds our foresight and reason.
Fortunately, Antonio luckily had some clever friends who came to his rescue (in the nick of time). But unfortunately, our life is not a play and we may not be as lucky.
Think about this when you get some time. Who (or what) was responsible for the situation?
I will elaborate on some related issues in our life in a forthcoming post.
By the way, there is a 2004 movie that goes by the title of the play, starring Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Lynn Collins…very well made. The soundtrack by Jocelyn Pook is worth a ear.
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I thought I was being tough by thinking about something painful - i.e. associating debt with paying more than list price for something
Hope I never have to deal with any Shylocks.
Shakespeare was a man beyond his years. Unfortunately, people don’t change much and there’s a Shylock in every corner now with big bright yellow signs.
I like the new site!
Interesting post. I find it interesting that for as long as borrowing/credit has been around people have been getting into trouble with it. Huh.
Jon
Super Saver: yeah that is one painful thought :), we could all try thinking of that before then next time we pull out that credit card for a big purchase.
Sharon: True, yet people don’t see those bright yellow signs often.
Jon: Thanks, it’s nice to see you back :)…yeah we have been getting in trouble with debt for a long long time..and still haven’t learnt much.
Mmhmm, H&R Block the train station plastered with their little “Instant Money Advance Loan” campaign posters this morning. And of course all they say is “Lender charges a finance charge.” Oh, not on the posters, on their website, if you look for the gray fine print. *tsk* Not an ounce of shame.
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