Churchill and the Many Names for Money
Al-Qabas, Kuwait, August 17
Former British Prime Minister and World War II hero Winston Churchill often shared the story of an experience he had with a British cab driver. According to Churchill’s tale, one day he took a taxi to the BBC headquarters for an interview. When he arrived, he asked the driver to wait outside for 40 minutes until he got back. The driver, however, apologized and said he couldn’t, because he was in a rush to get home to listen to Winston Churchill’s speech. Churchill went on to tell how amazed and delighted he was with the man’s desire to listen to his speech. Therefore, he took out ten pounds and gave them to the taxi driver without telling him who he was. When the driver collected the money, he said: “I’ll wait for hours until you come back sir! And to hell with Churchill!” Indeed, Churchill’s story is a reminder not only that money changes people and their attitudes, but also that money has different names, even in the same language. At a church or place of worship, it’s often called a “donation.” At a school, it might be called a “fee.” The money collected by the government is called a “tax.” In a marriage, it’s called a “dowry.” In a divorce, it’s called “alimony.” And when we owe someone and pay them back, that’s the repayment of a debt. When we want to finalize transactions, we buy a money stamp. In court, following the issuing of a judgment, money becomes a “fine.” As for the money that an employee receives following the conclusion of his career, that’s often referred to as “retirement.” But what we receive from an employer while we work is a “salary.” For the doctor, the money is called a “consultation fee,” when the lawyer takes it, it is called a “retainer,” and as for kidnappers, it’s referred to as “ransom.” Money paid for an illegal service is called a “bribe.” Money can be construed differently based on the context in which it is handed and that in which it is taken. There is no absolute right or absolute wrong. Oftentimes, the only difference is merely in the eyes of the beholder. – Ahmed Al-Sarraf (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
