- Joined
- Sep 3, 2000
- Messages
- 6,700
Once upon a time, a long time ago, the people really loved diamonds. They were taught how rare and precious they were. People said diamonds lasted forever, and that’s a very long, long time indeed. When money failed the people, when disaster and war plagued them, diamonds were one of those precious things that the people could use to safely cross borders while bringing some of their precious things with them so they could start new lives in distant lands.
Families prized diamonds. They were passed from generation to generation in the royal jewels of state down to the little trinkets of the common folk. Care was given to these diamonds because we all want to protect our precious, sparkling and beautiful gems.
After a couple centuries of tradition and comfort, suddenly came the cold North wind of change. Nothing was to be the same, ever again. The people had become very aware of diamonds. They had learned enough to raise questions for which many supposed experts had no answers. The people became less trusting and ever more suspicious. Could they believe what they were being told? Were diamonds truly rare? Did they really last forever? What did all the measurements mean? Was the color grade or clarity grade accurate? Did any of this make a difference?
It was the age old question of trust and confidence. The tipping point where belief erodes and knowledge must replace blind faith. But who is the keeper of the knowledge? Who is the trusted one to pass judgment on the fairness of the change that is now at hand. The people argued and doubted. Their leaders were not of one voice. Some wished to keep the traditional ways and others wanted change, especially if it was for the better. What held them all back were the keepers of the sacred Status Quo. A little knowledge did indeed seem dangerous. More knowledge might be even worse, they feared. Not everyone agreed on what to change or how much to change. People do think differently from one another. We need to remember to respect different opinions, but that should not prevent people from seeking out the truth..
Only a few of the people diligently sought out this knowledge and from that few our new leaders arose. The people shared what they had learned and brought those who were still in fear of change into the new world. This is the world of limitless access to knowledge and communication. The old walls of secrecy were falling. Seekers of knowledge were rewarded and honored by their fellow men.
Did this destroy the diamond business or the love of beautiful diamonds? We know that isn’t so. More diamonds are sold all the time and the better they look, the more people seem to appreciate them. Are diamonds still rare? Well, no one who wanted one ever had to go without. Some large or unusual ones are rare. Certain fancy colors are rare. But, for the most part, diamonds are available to meet the demand. Do diamonds have value? Yes, so long as the people decide they wish to own natural or manmade ornaments and things of beauty. Are diamonds a storehouse of wealth? I suppose the oil sheiks may know the answer, but the common people now just carry credit cards. They’re a whole lot safer and easier on the pockets.
Although the story continues to evolve, the ending of this little tale is a happy one. The people have learned to accept more knowledge and to discount false promises and misleading information. It’s the way the world is headed. Everyone will live happily every after.
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