Gold

In one of her novels, Dana Stabenow gives a detailed analysis of number 79 on the periodic table. AU. Considered by many to be the most valued and prized of metals. It is more commonly known as “gold.”   It became popular in the late 1800’s when gold was found in many places from Alaska down through California. The “gold rush” brought thousands of would-be-miners to the West Coast.

Its history goes back 3000 years to ancient Egypt. After that every nation of dominance made gold their metal of choice for coins of high value. The aureus, the solidus, the ducat, the guilder, the sovereign, the double eagle, the krugerand. The use of gold was common among the Greeks, the Romans, the Aztecs, Mayas and the Incas. 

Gold is a soft metal and an ounce of it can be beaten into a sheet large enough to cover the roof of a small home. It doesn’t corrode, making it ideal for jewelry.  It is tasteless and an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. Gold is rare, second only to mercury.

Panning for gold is a favorite pastime for many, including Stella and myself. We got enough gold out of the Chena River in Alaska and Dawson City, Canada for two lockets of medium size.  Gold is yellow, Ruby is red, Emeralds are green, Sapphires are blue, Pearls are white, Opals are black, Diamonds are transparent and Onyx is alternating colors.

Next to gold, my favorites are diamonds, which are often smuggled in clear water; and pearls. At the center of every pearl is a grain of sand that is covered with a secretion in the oyster, thereby creating a pearl.

As of today, gold is selling at $1313.30 per troy ounce on the market.  The possession of gold has seduced many a person with its siren’s song. From Midas to the inhabitants at Sutter’s Creek. For my purposes I see gold as a metaphor. Projecting its physical and materialistic characteristics or to spiritual and philosophical values.  For instance there is an intrinsic  value to gold. Nothing has to be added to make it valuable. It doesn’t have to be cut-like diamonds-to enhance its worth.

Gold’s multiple uses increase its worth. For jewelry; for a conduit of electricity; for a cover-for example the gold roof of the Mosque of Omar in Jerusalem.  Perhaps its most important use is as a measure of a person’s wealth. This has been true from antiquity.

What does gold have in common with us?  The value of we humans is similar to gold. Our value is intrinsic with each one. Often various ethnic groups have minimized the value of others, determining their values by the color of the skin.

But as people have become more educated, this observation has been put aside.  Consider Einstein who was Jewish, consider Marconi, who was Italian, consider George Washington Carver, who was black, consider Braun, who was German, consider Pasteur  who was French, and consider Edison who was American.   As the uses of gold is varied, so is the potential of humans. Philosophers, scientists, explorers, teachers, religionists, inventors, miners, housewives, writers.  The uses of gold are myriad. So are we humans.

The metaphorical meaning of gold and mankind is similar in another way. To get maximum usage both must be cultivated. Gold must be mined or panned. Left to its natural state, its value is limited. Without education, so are we humans. 

Another metaphorical usage of gold and humans is there misuse. All humans do not behave for their own good or for the good of humanity. The misuse of gold (money) is well known. The Bible says, “The love of money (gold) is the root of all evil. (I Timothy 6:10) This also implies the use of money.

King Midas is popularly remembered in Greek mythology for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold. Thus, the phrase “the Midas touch.”  King Midas was rewarded by the god Dionysus. Everything he touched was turned to gold. Midas was pleased at first until when he touched food and drink, they turned to gold. He loathed the gift.  Another myth account has Midas’ daughter turning into a golden statue when he touched her. The demise of King Midas was not unexpected.

A few years ago, J. Paul Getty, one of the richest men on earth at that time, had his grandson held for ransom. His ear was sent to Getty as a token of their seriousness. Getty’s response was unbelievable. He refused to pay and said, “We were never very close.”

Warren Buffett and Donald Trump reflect the two basic approaches to the use of money. From what we know of them, Trump uses his money to get more money and for his own personal greed. Buffet uses his billions to benefit others, particularly the needy. The same goes for Bill Gates.

Our world is better because of the Warren Buffetts.

Amen. Selah. So be it.

WORDS TO THINK ABOUT  G. W. Abersold Ph.D.