WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT. Worth Its Weight in Gold

It's worth its weight in gold.

. . is a phrase that virtually everyone knows and has probably used on more than one occasion. In fact, it is so often used that, as writers, we generally file it away under Hackneyed Phrases.

Personally, however, I still find it interesting and use the phrase - frequently. It usually refers to a useful and relatively obscure object whose function far outweighs its shelf value - think of some tool in your kitchen - something weird looking but has never failed in accomplishing the task it was designed to do. Various wine and can openers are certainly in this category. So, in a sense, it can be both whimsical, as well as functional.

Another interesting tidbit (at least in my mind), is the incredible value we put on gold. For most people, when they think of wealth, such as that had by a king, it usually means dripping in gold. It is a symbol of power and glory. Even religions keep their most valuable items in containers of pure gold. Egyptian Pharaohs were buried in sarcophagi made of it. Spanish Conquistadors slaughtered and enslaved entire Native populations in their relentless quest to have it. It is seen as the ultimate Status Symbol for the wealthy. We even call it a precious metal.

And, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT - why?

Gold has some interesting characteristics, of course, that make it valuable. Part of that value is that it is not terribly abundant and takes great effort to procure it in nature. Also, because it is the least reactive of all metals, it will never tarnish or rust - obviously great traits to portray wealth and power, as well as commitment (wedding rings) and longevity. It has other useful traits such as its conductivity, too. Beyond that, however, there are other materials that, at least from a functionality standpoint, are much more valuable.

This brings us back to our kitchen implements that are worth their weight in gold. Let's use the lowly can opener and funky corkscrew as simple examples. You saw them in the Dollar Store and figured, what the heck - they're a buck each. What do I have to lose? Since that day you put them in your kitchen drawer, you've used them hundreds of times. And, still do. When was the last thing useful you did with gold - besides wear as an ornament?

I feel the same way about people - some of them may not glitter like gold. They may even be obscure or even funky. But, they are far more valuable than gold. In their own simple, effective way they make the world a better place for whomever they may encounter.

So, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT - shouldn't we be saying, gold is worth its weight in can openers,  cork screws - and, people?

That is all. . .