Derek Benedict

A woman asked an elderly man, "How much do you sell these eggs for?" The old man replied, "50 cents per egg, lady." The woman said, "I’ll take 6 eggs for $2.50, or I won’t buy any." The old seller answered, "You can pay whatever you want. It’s fine. I haven’t sold a single egg today, and I need to sell everything to feed my family." She bought the eggs at her price, feeling like she had won. Later, she got into her nice car and went to a fancy restaurant with her boyfriend. They ordered what they wanted, ate a little, and left most of it. The bill came to €180, and the woman left €200, telling the owner it was a tip. For the chef of a luxury restaurant, this might seem normal, but for the egg seller, it seems unfair. The question is: Why do we always feel the need to show power over a poor seller when we buy from them, yet we are so generous to those who don’t need our help? I once read something that stayed with me: “My father would buy goods from the poor at high prices, even when he didn’t need them. He would sometimes pay more than the asking price. I asked him why, and he said, ‘This is charity wrapped in dignity, my daughter.’” I know most of you might not share this story, but if you’re one of the few who took the time to read it, please consider sharing it. Maybe you’re planting a good seed for someone to see.