No Such Thing
“There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”
You’ve heard the phrase, I’m sure. (Also known as TANSTAAFL – “There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.”)
It dates back to the 19th century when a ‘free’ meal was offered with the purchase of a drink at the local saloon – where, of course, the cost of the meal was baked into the price of the drink.
In most contexts, it’s a cynical phrase. But today, I’d like to redeem it in the minds and hearts of purpose driven business leaders like you.
This thought trail started last week, after I made a tongue-in-cheek comment – twice.
People were commenting on the great turnout we had at our quarterly executive development event with Bob Tiede. It really was a joy to see!
In agreement, I also noted how challenging it has been to build momentum for these gatherings.
Having done this for years now, we have never charged for these executive events.
So, with a wink and a smile, I quipped, “It’s really hard to give away free stuff.” Light-hearted. Just a passing comment.
But it got me thinking.
There was nothing “free” about that day.
Bob’s flight from Dallas wasn’t free. His hotel stay wasn’t free. The dinner we shared the night before at Thyme Kitchen wasn’t free. His time wasn’t free.
There was an economy humming behind the scenes the entire time.
And the more I reflected on it, the more this kitschy little phrase started to unfold into something meaningful.
If someone hands you a flower on the street – no charge – it’s a beautiful gift.
But it wasn’t free.
Someone paid for that flower somewhere along the economic chain.
When a donation is made – whether money, clothes, goods, or services – the recipient is grateful. It costs them nothing.
But it wasn’t free.
There’s an economic story behind every donation that made it possible.
When a friend helps us move and we treat them to a meal, we likely won’t pay them what their time was worth. Of course, we are thankful.
But it wasn’t free.
Their time was bought-and-paid-for somewhere along the way.
The “free” time, money, goods, or services we give – what we call discretionary resources – are made possible because we have food, clothing, and shelter already covered.
They are, virtually always, gifts of excess.
(Even when we call it “sacrificial” giving, we are, in almost every case, talking about cutting back or skipping a purchase – not going without basic survival needs.)
So… Where does that excess come from?
It is made possible through the economy – through value that has been created somewhere in the story.
All we have to do is follow the money.
And I mean that in the most positive way.
That trail inevitably leads to a man or woman who, at great risk, built a business, created value, and offered employment.
Business – and capitalism – often get a bad rap. Sometimes it is deserved.
But I’m thankful for the business leaders I know – those working with grit, passion, and purpose to create value within the ecosystems they are allowed to influence.
In the spirit of conscious capitalism, they understand this:
The purpose of business is to facilitate human flourishing.
And that only happens through value creation – where the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.
To the men and women creating and leading businesses in that spirit, I would like to say…
Thank you.
Your work is a fundamental building block that allows generosity to be a part of our society.
Without you, it just can’t happen.
Because – say it with me: There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.
Blessings to you, my friends.
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This Week’s Resource Recommendation:
“Thou Shall Prosper: Ten Commandments for Making Money”
- Rabbi Daniel Lapin
From Amazon: A practical approach to creating wealth-based on the established principles of ancient Jewish wisdom – made accessible to people of all backgrounds
The ups and downs of the economy prove Rabbi Daniel Lapin's famous principle that the more things change, the more we need to depend upon the things that never change.
There's no better source for both practical and spiritual financial wisdom than the time-tested knowledge found in the ancient Jewish faith and its culture. In the Second Edition of Thou Shall Prosper, Lapin offers a practical approach to creating wealth based on the established principles of ancient Jewish wisdom.
This book details the ten permanent principles that never change, the ten commandments of making money if you will, and explores the economic and philosophic vision of business that has been part of Jewish culture for centuries. The book's focus is on making accessible to individuals of all backgrounds, the timeless truths that Jews have used for centuries to excel in business.
Outlines ten fundamental "commandments" relating to business and money
Includes insights that will increase your potential for creating wealth, no matter what your faith or background may be
Blends contemporary business stories and Lapin's own business experiences with the wisdom of the Torah and Talmudic prescriptions
This Second Edition provides new examples, especially of Internet related business opportunities. In addition, each chapter highlights specific action steps that can lead to wealth opportunities in both difficult economic times and periods of prosperity.
MMS 25-20
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Blessings to you, my friend!
