put up a concert, as a gift – no money involved
A few months ago, I met a few pianists at public pianos. Then, I saw that the National Library Board was offering a free-of-charge venue to stage a music performance.
I decided to organise a performance featuring those young pianists – and myself. Money was not in the picture – the venue was free, and these pianists were enthusiastic – even when they knew they would not be paid in money.
Long story short, we had a great time, performers and audience alike. One of the performers is now in the U.S.A., pursuing a Master's Degree (in the History of Economics, if I remember correctly) and he said that this concert was one of his best memories of Singapore.
From a bigger perspective – I hope this sparks a change, a movement – from commodity-transactions to gift-circulations. A transaction requires a “exchange price”, between both parties, whereas a gift makes no demand on the recipient; it is unconditional. Think of the difference between a gift community, and a commodity marketplace.
further reading
- Written by Lewis Hyde. “The gift: How the creative spirit transforms the world.”
- Michael Sandel. “What Money Can't Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets”.
- Sheila Liming. (2023). “Hanging Out: The Radical Power of Killing Time”.
- Randy Pausch. (2008). “The last lecture”.
