Paulo Coelho

Stories & Reflections

20 SEC READ: Fair Price

Author: Paulo Coelho

Nixivan had gathered his friend for supper and was brewing a juicy piece of meat. Suddenly, he noticed they were out of salt.

Nixivan called his son: “Go to the village and buy salt. But pay the fair price for it; neither pricier nor cheaper.”

His son was surprised:

“I understand I shouldn’t pay more, father. But if we can bargain a little, why not save some money?”

“In a large city, this is advisable”he said. ” However, in a small city as ours, the entire village will notice it.”

His guest overheard their conversation and wanted to know why one shouldn’t buy salt for less.

Nixivan answered: “Those who sell underpriced salt, do it in a desperate need for money. Those who take advantage of the situation, show disrespect for the sweat and battle of a man that worked to produce something.”

“But that is too little to destroy a village.”

“In the beginning of the world, injustice was scant as well. But everyone that came afterwards added something, thinking it was not important, and see where we got today.”

 

(taken from THE DEVIL AND MISS PRYM )

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