The zero-sum game is a choice.
With a zero-sum game, if you eat a slice of pie, that’s one less for me; and if I eat one, that’s one less for you. A simple economic theory, but life isn’t simple like that. Here’s how life can go.
Get with expectation – I expect you to give, and you do.
Get without expectation – I don’t expect you to give, but you do. I’m indifferent.
Get with thanks – I don’t expect you to give, and when you do, I thank you graciously.
Get then give – I get from you, then a couple weeks later, I think of you and give back.
Get and give – I get from you, and I give back immediately. I choose what I give.
Give and get – I give to you, and you give back immediately. You chose what you give.
Give as get – I give to you so I can feel the joy of giving.
Give – I give because I give.
The zero-sum game is a choice. Which game will you chose to play?
Image credit – Mark Freeth