❝ Why do I feel like I'm just a chapter in your book while you're my entire story? ❞
❝ Well, you're obviously wrong, because you're my entire novel, cover to cover. ❞
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A blank canvas. That's how my life was. Until she took my hand...
45. chapter forty-five: economics vs English. I prefer the latter, of course.
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All the happy cheer drained the minute Lysandre called out my name to answer his questions. "An abundance of resources is said to give rise to the problem of choice. What take do you have on it, Mister Ketchum?"
I narrowed my eyes at the empty notebook in front of me. It sounded like this man was targeting me for having escaped one of his hideous therapy sessions. I racked my brains and came up with a logical answer despite never having heard his lecture.
"What problem do we have when we've got choices? It's either this or that. The only thing you can do is select a product based on your style, culture, and preferences. I feel like having a treasure trove of resources is better than nothing. Choices are definitely worth more than impoverishment, sir."
The man looked taken aback before he regained his composure. "What if you've got all the money in the world? Your parents have enough to swim in gold, and you've been given a choice between two equally worthy cars. What would you choose?" The emphasis on parents didn't go unnoticed, but I clenched my jaw and gave him the same answer.
"As I said before, I would choose the one that's best to my liking, to my preference, and to my style, sir."
"What if you have got a whole load of resources, and you're a manufacturer? How will you choose what to trade?"
"Based on the economic margin I might get for a product," I answered as glimpses of my previous year's syllabus passed through my brain. "The end goal is earning money. Whichever product yields the most in that market and with the given competition, and can be prepared with whatever resources I have, will be the sane answer."
Lysandre looked furious. "You aren't getting my point, m'boy." I bit my lip, waiting for him to continue. It had been long since I was active in academics. Despite that, I shall not back down against this guy. "You're not understanding that the more you have, the more you're conflicted.
"Think of your worst social experience. You've got a huge crowd of acquaintances, be it friends or family." I felt red-hot anger boil at the smug voice of the man. "And you've broken down in front of everyone. Now, the more people you have, the more conflicted you are on confronting them about the incident."
"True," I said breathlessly, the next sentence half-formed in my mind. "But there's always a solution to conflict: identify your needs apart from your desires.
"According to economists, and basically anyone, your needs come first before your desires. You need certain acquaintances, such as your parents and close friends. You desire the company of others, merely for the count or, in selfish terms, for who they are. It doesn't matter what the latter think of you as long as you have the former by your side.
"Better put," I paused and wore a tiny smirk despite my head stinging. "You might wish to get a brand new flat or travel the world, but isn't shelter one of the primary needs of man? It is obvious that importance must be given to—"
