There are some conversations that are a reminder of the principles of giving and earning.
This past weekend, a gentleman from Aceh, Sumatra commented on one of my posts. He began asking me investment advice. The question he ask was, “should I invest $1 a month in Steem?"
This man lives in a region of the world where the median wage is $4.50 USD a day.1The articles he had on his blog were making around 25 cents. Yet, the few minutes I spent with him, were about where he is going, and not where he is.
He mentioned his kids in every exchange between us. The possibilities with Steemit are evident to him, and he has hope that his children will have a better life than he does – all he needs is knowledge, and an opportunity.
We all know what it feels like to give to someone in need. That twinkle in their eye upon receiving physical hope, becomes a catalyst for us to give again – it is a beautiful cycle.
As the African proverb says, it is the man or woman without a friend that is truly poor. We are building something special here on Steemit. The ability to connect with anyone around the world in seconds, now is coupled with the ability to teach them to fish by working for themselves.
While my new friend will receive my monetary upvotes, and support, I learned something from him during our conversation – he needs me to keep succeeding.
What we possess in talent, expertise, and knowledge we ought to continue to hone and perfect for the benefit of others. We do our friends in need a disservice by not working to better ourselves, and earn more from our service to others. People don’t generally follow your instructions nearly as much as they follow your example. This gentleman knows that well by setting the example for his kids to work and invest for the future.