The One Dollar

Cassan Said Amer tells a story about a lecturer who began a seminar holding up a one-dollar bill, and asking: Who wants this dollar bill?

Several hands went up, but the lecturer said:

Before handing it over, there’s something I must do.

He furiously crushed it, and asked again:

Who still wants this bill?

The hands continued to raise.

And what if I do this?

He threw it against the wall, letting it fall to the floor, kicked it, stamped in it, and again held up the bill – all dirty and crumpled.

He repeated the question, and the hands continued to be held high.

You mustn’t ever forget this scene – said the lecturer. No matter what I do with this money, it’ll still be a one-dollar bill.

“Many times in our lives, we are crushed, stamped on, kicked, maltreated, offended; however, despite this, we are still worth the same.”