Hand carved carousel horse from Kingsport, Tennessee
“His gifts have the virtue of mortality which spares me the burden of display or storage.”—Marcel Proust, ‘Swan’s Way’—
The great philosopher, Robert Hicks, made me aware of this quote several years ago. I have since tried to use it when choosing a gift—especially one for the wealthy or elderly.
Mr. Hicks explained, “If someone gives you a special gift such as a painting, a figurine, or something special, you will have to consider where or if it should be displayed. This may be a burden, especially if your gift display areas are already cluttered with other special and one-of-a-kind gifts. The gift carries with it a responsibility—we are not allowed to sell it, and it could be perilous to convert it into a gift for another person. This would mean that we are burdened with the duty of storage and, perhaps, periodic display.”
When choosing a gift, then, it may be important to consider the “mortality level” of the gift. Flowers serve their purpose and are disposed of. Chocolates may be consumed. What other ideas do you have for consumable or disposable gifts?
Keep on Smiling.
Everything is going to be all right.
John P. Schulz—“Sweetie Drives on Chemo Days.”
John P. Schulz: Find The Living Room 