I recently bought a book the other day, titled, The Last Days of Pompeii, by Edward Bulwer-Lytton back in 1834, but the cover I have is presumably the 1850 edition, as from the preface, but I can't really confirm it as the date of publication as well as the office of publication was not stated upon the book itself.
As I bought the book at Camden Market in London the other day, I questioned myself if it was really a good purchase. The book was only 2 pounds, and most definitely worth more than that. Rather, the question is, is it really worth the effort to purchase it, then sell it again later? After a short struggle with my conservative side, I brought the book over to the stall owner and swiftly paid him the 2 quid, and walked off hoping it would, at the very least, be a good read.
On retrospect, I wondered what upon me tried to pull myself away from purchasing the book. 2 pounds for a book, even a normal one, would be quite a steal, given its condition. I then realized that it was not the price of the book that was the issue, but more of the idea of that I was purchasing the book intending to sell it off again for a profit later.
Most people out there might be baffled at this comment. What is wrong with buying something with the intention of selling it and making money? It is the basis of capitalism in the world! The concept of eventually making a profit for oneself is what that builds demand and supply in the world and drives it.
But for me, I am not the kind for business. Simply because I hate to lose, money that is, through business, when I know I could have avoided it. In all honesty, many have seen losing money through business and simply paying your 'tuition fees', but I really believe, why bother trying to be rich in the first place?
It is lucky that I'm not the kind that is out to be rich, and can simply enjoy my life as a civil servant, earning enough to pay the bills and live a comfortable life.
Really, the same comments as above can be replicated to describe my feelings towards many friends that has delved into stocks and bonds recently. But then again, to each his own. I will not deny that I sometimes am envious when I hear of their successful exploits, but I'm definitely sure that I'll probably be happier without them.
......
PS. On re-read, I realized how scattered the thoughts were penned down, no matter, can't be bothered to re-write it.
PSS. Will upload a picture of the book soon.
As I bought the book at Camden Market in London the other day, I questioned myself if it was really a good purchase. The book was only 2 pounds, and most definitely worth more than that. Rather, the question is, is it really worth the effort to purchase it, then sell it again later? After a short struggle with my conservative side, I brought the book over to the stall owner and swiftly paid him the 2 quid, and walked off hoping it would, at the very least, be a good read.
On retrospect, I wondered what upon me tried to pull myself away from purchasing the book. 2 pounds for a book, even a normal one, would be quite a steal, given its condition. I then realized that it was not the price of the book that was the issue, but more of the idea of that I was purchasing the book intending to sell it off again for a profit later.
Most people out there might be baffled at this comment. What is wrong with buying something with the intention of selling it and making money? It is the basis of capitalism in the world! The concept of eventually making a profit for oneself is what that builds demand and supply in the world and drives it.
But for me, I am not the kind for business. Simply because I hate to lose, money that is, through business, when I know I could have avoided it. In all honesty, many have seen losing money through business and simply paying your 'tuition fees', but I really believe, why bother trying to be rich in the first place?
It is lucky that I'm not the kind that is out to be rich, and can simply enjoy my life as a civil servant, earning enough to pay the bills and live a comfortable life.
Really, the same comments as above can be replicated to describe my feelings towards many friends that has delved into stocks and bonds recently. But then again, to each his own. I will not deny that I sometimes am envious when I hear of their successful exploits, but I'm definitely sure that I'll probably be happier without them.
......
PS. On re-read, I realized how scattered the thoughts were penned down, no matter, can't be bothered to re-write it.
PSS. Will upload a picture of the book soon.
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