The physical value of a book is a measurable cost of paper, printing, and labor charges, but estimating the value of the book’s contents is difficult. Most intangible values are similarly challenging to assess. We purchase the intangible value of a book at its physical price. When revenues are generated, the added value produced can be realized. These revenues arise solely from sales, which are based on price, not value. In essence, there is always an imbalance between price and value, and this imbalance determines whether one is wealthy or poor. Management is the act that shifts this imbalance in my favor. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
One reason for the Dutch’s wealth was the strong trust between the merchants and sailors responsible for trade. Captain Willem Barentsz failed in 1596 while attempting to open a northeast route to the Far East via Novaya Zemlya in the Arctic Ocean. An accident occurred in which 8 out of 18 sailors died after being trapped in glaciers at temperatures of -40 degrees for 8 months, marking a setback for the development of a new maritime route. However, the captain and crew did not disturb the cargo, and on June 13, 1597, they split into two small ships and escaped the glacier. Fifty days later, they were rescued by a Russian merchant ship. Captain Barentsz died on the journey home, but the crew returned the consigned cargo to its owners intact after getting home. Trust means taking your life as collateral. Business is built on this trust. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”