In the Game
"But both humans and horses alike spend most of their lives working as parts within a given enterprise, or machine." said Student. 'But maybe we should except owners, who are above it?"
"Are you part of a machine, Mogul?" asked Director.
"If I am," he said, "it's a machine of my own making."
"Is it really, though?" asked Student. "I mean, you have laws you have to comply with, right? And you have to accommodate the market."
"It's my machine within certain limits, yes."
"Do those limits rub against you, irritate you?"
"At times they do, yes."
"And there's nothing you can do about them, like a horse in his harness."
"Sometimes I would rather be a horse!" laughed Mogul.
"And your virtue is to stay in harness, right?" Student asked with some hesitance.
"My virtue is to make profit. That keeps everyone employed."
"I thought meeting your costs keeps everyone employed, and the profit keeps you in the game."
"If I don't make my profit, there is no reason for me to keep the enterprise going," Mogul said simply.
"Other than the enjoyment you get from being mindful of it," said Director.
"Yes," said Mogul. "I think it's time to go. I have to be in the office early tomorrow."
END
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Nick Pappas, pappasnick.typepad.com
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