Insight from a little girl

While I was doing a book signing yesterday a couple with 5 kids stopped at the table. The mother told her kids to come to the table and meet an author. She explained that one of the boys who seemed to be about 8 liked to write. He asked me how long does it take to write a book.

His sister who seemed to be about the same age asked 'How much do books do?'. I didn't understand and asked what did she mean. She clarified her question 'How much do books do in a year?'. Her mother explained that she was asking how much money I made from books. I was a litte surprised at her question. Her father stepped in and told her it was impolite to ask people how much money they made.

They bought one of each of my books and I told them that she would be ok later on in life.

www.DTPollard.com

It is interesting that society is training our kids to value money more and more. When I was a kid, I didn't care and I don't think it was such a big deal. Now, even little kids are brought up to only think in terms of money. Not a bright outlook for the future if you ask me...

Much of this is a cultural thing that's been happening.

You see charts in newspapers listing movies by how much money they made. Kids see a list with Batman at the top and figure it's a rating.

Ditto with NYT Best Seller list if you think about it.

You read more about how much athletes and entertainers are paid than how they perform (or who they're cheating with... well, maybe not than that)

Leave it to children to say what's on their mind. I like that. Much of what the children say is a reflection of the family. Remember I said "much."

It is an interesting subject, however. When I was young, the questions were, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" There was never any talk about money. Now it appears that moeny is becoming a dominant factor. When they see people playing sports making millions, why would they want to be a writer?

This money aspect is amusing in another sense too...in human resources and especially when it comes to salaries, they love to say that money isn't everything when it comes to work. They can quote studies as long as your arm that say people change jobs for other reasons (their boss, learning opporunities, etc), and yet there you have a little girl who might be interested...if you can make a living at it. Hmm.
I wonder if her generation will also be calculating according to the final bank account...you know, how much you have at the end in your estate, or a life insurance policy.

I once heard that death is a shroud that has no pockets. We take with us only that which we have given away. I hope I am loaded down! (not enough to keep me from ascending, I hope!)

Zada,
if it to heavy to carry, you can drop some off at my place on your way. That assumes that I'm still here.

Do you really want some of what I give away? I think most of it is warm fuzzies! (Don't have much more than that, anyway when the gov't gets done!)

You don't need much more than that, as long as you have the basics.

Warm fuzzies are gold, imo. But it is nice to have electricity, gas, a phone... That kid's thinking.

Right, and as a wise man once said, money may not be everything but it sure as hell beats whatever is in second place. Remember, a wise man said it, not me.

My dad told us, "Money won't buy happiness, but it sure as hell takes the pain out of being poor."

Still, I'd like to think I had my priorities straight.

I'm all for a little of this and a little of that. "Moderation in all things..."

Moderation? What is that?