“Opulence” [“Reflections On Adam Smith's Book An Inquiry Into The Nature And Causes Of The Wealth Of Nations Indianapolis : Liberty Classics, 1981 (Vol.I and II) Book 1, Sphere-Model - Chapter 1B”]
I love Smith’s term (that’s “Opulence”),
Unused today; in his defense,
It seems to be old-fashioned word,
But now in it can still be heard –His meaning – blow up a balloon
With air, and you will see quite soon,
Balloon expands – it’s filled with air
Which one can breathe (if one’s in there).He calls all that life-giving air
His “Opulence”, and little cares
If there is little at the first –
Expansion’s cause (until it bursts) –Is what has captured Adam’s mind,
For “Opulence” helps being kind
To other people on the globe,
By easing this life’s heavy load.He views the big balloon, like us,
As unity, some good, some fuss,
But deep inside his big balloon
Are more balloons – revealed real soon.Balloon within balloon, indeed!
As one expands, more room it needs;
It presses out and makes expand
The “Opulence” within that land.Smith asks, “Why does our big balloon
Inflate right now? Will others soon
Have big balloons like us, so life
Of ‘Opulence’ will ease their strife?“What causes our balloon to grow
To such a size? I’d like to know”;
So Adam talked, and researched this;
Served up results on printed dish.So “Wealth” is “Size of opulence
Inside balloon” – in his defense
He thinks of overall balloon,
Not just some bloke’s small living room.Today we veer off-track, and think
It’s “Me, myself, and I” – which stinks
Because, to Smith, yes, we’re all part
Inside balloon – our actions start –To ricochet with all the rest;
So factors, when they’re all addressed,
Will net-out giving rise or fall
To “Opulence” ’round here for all.Thanks Lord for this.
navigation