Cassan Said Amer tells a story about a lecturer who began a seminar holding up a one dollar bill, and asking:
– Who wants this dollar bill?
Several hands went up, but the lecturer said:
– Before handing it over, there’s something I must do.
He furiously crushed it, and asked again:
– Who still wants this bill?
The hands continued raised.
– And what if I do this?
He threw it against the wall, letting it fall to the floor, kicked it, stamped in it and again held up the bill – all dirty and crumpled.
He repeated the question, and the hands continued to be held high.
– You mustn’t ever forget this scene – said the lecturer. – No matter what I do with this money, it’ll still be a one dollar bill.
“Many times in our lives, we are crushed, stamped on, kicked, maltreated, offended; however, in spite of this, we are still worth the same.”