Back to the IN CASE YOU MISSED IT index
Trash Can Discipline:
Outsmarting the Young
A wise old gentleman retired and purchased a modest home near a junior high
school. He spent the first few weeks of his retirement in peace and contentment...then
a new school year began. The very next afternoon three young boys, full
of youthful, after-school enthusiasm, came down his street, beating merrily
on every trash can they encountered. The crashing percussion continued day
after day, until finally the wise old man decided it was time to take some
action.
The next afternoon, he walked out to meet the young percussionists as they
banged their way down the street. Stopping them, he said, "You kids
are a lot of fun. I like to see you express your exuberance like that. Used
to do the same thing when I was your age. Will you do me a favor? I'll give
you each a dollar if you'll promise to come around every day and do your
thing."
The kids were elated and continued to do a bang-up job on the trash cans.
After a few days, the old-timer greeted the kids again, but this time he
had a sad smile on his face. "This recession's really putting a big
dent in my income," he told them. "From now on, I'll only be able
to pay you 50 cents to beat on the cans." The noisemakers were obviously
displeased, but they did accept his offer and continued their afternoon
ruckus.
A few days later, the wily retiree approached them again as they drummed
their way down the street. "Look," he said, "I haven't received
my Social Security check yet, so I'm not going to be able to give you more
than 25 cents. Will that be okay?"
"A lousy quarter?" the drum leader exclaimed. "If you think
we're going to waste our time, beating these cans around for a quarter,
you're nuts! No way, mister. We quit!" And the old man enjoyed peace
and serenity for the rest of his days.
Back to "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . ."