THE PROFITS

Chapter Four : The Deal

“What’s a DEAL?” Asked John.

“It’s when we both agree to do something that helps each other. The deal I want is that I’ll make you a shovel, and you plant my field for me one day each year.”

“Is that all you want for this amazing shovel?” John asked with joy filling his entire body.

“YEP!” Said James. “And please tell all the other families in Timor that I’ll make them a shovel too if they make the same deal with me.”

“Why would you do that!” Asked John. “Why would you be so kind?”

“Because I want to make a profit!”

“What is a profit?” asked John.

“A profit is what I get when I make an honest deal with someone. In this case, my profit is the day’s work someone does for me when I make them a shovel.”

“You see John, a long three branch and a flat stone isn’t very useful until my idea put them together to make a shovel.”

James continued, “I can use my idea just for myself, but by sharing it and getting something in return, I help myself more AND I help everyone else.”

John understood. “You are so right James! Your profit is the free time you will have because everyone else will plant your field, BUT everyone else is also better off. Now they only have to work one hour a day instead of ALL day, because they made a deal with you to get one of your shovels.”

“Correct, John!” Said James. “A profit allows everyone who makes an honest deal to have a better life. Profits are good!”