Tall quotTalequot Beggar
I like to frequent a local coffee shop for its casual location. It is a nice place for me to meet and converse other people. We share works and ideas, always constructively support each other.
However, I have been encountered by a stranger on numerous occasions, present and past, with a bogus story he tells, always necessitating money. His tale never changes and his request is always the same.
After the third time, I told the beggar he should "stop with [his] lies. It is dishonest and vile." He questioned my age as if it were relevant to the topic. In response to my 24 years of life, he quotes, "You're a kid to me." He then promptly made his way away.
Okay, I'll take that. I'm a kid. Realistically speaking, we are all just grown up kids.
But for me to be a kid relative to this man, this supposed "man" is begging a kid for spare change.
What a man you are, sir.
I do hope to come across you again; for the next time, I will murder you with words.
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Philosophically speaking, a beggar who displays humility (to others) with honesty (to and/or about himself) is infinitely more noble than a beggar who speaks no truth.
It is not true goodness to give when asked; Absolute goodness is giving when not asked.
5 Comments • Newest first
[quote=MomoSnipes]Lol, you kind of sound like one of those pretentious guys who sip espresso at a coffee shop, while writing a novel on their macbook.
OT: Would you spare change to a homeless person on the street, if they didn't ask? Or would you walk right by? Just curious.[/quote]
Holding a sign asking for money straight up? (no bs story) Generally, yes. I often have up to several dollars in coins in console, so I clean up by donating it. "Homeless, please help. God bless!" The sign tells me who needs money. From there, it's just up to me to give it or not. He's not really asking for money, just stating he needs money. However, it is implied he is asking for it. Is he good, just, or deserving of the money? I'll never know, but at least they don't target folks directly. Generally, money is given to them by sheer free will of the people. Again, the sign points gives attention to those who need it. Those without signs may need money, but not enough to carry a sign asking for it. In this case, I am not asked to give money. It is my choice to give money. I view these people not as beggars, but people who state their financial status and are open to donation for support.
These folks cannot help themselves, beyond their own free will. These are the truest of folks who need assistance and support.
Giving me an arduous story so intricately told about their situation, and after decline, provides alternatives methods such as an ATM? sketch alerttttt! This guy might jack you and clean your account. So no. And after being asked multiple and several times with the same story. No again. No, never. Ever.
Generally, maybe in some case scenarios would asking for money directly would be justifiable. However, the persistence and arrogance of the beggar was too much. The story never changes, the request stays the same.
By free will, they are not helping themselves. I would neither assist nor support individuals such as these.
Correct me if I am wrong with my beliefs, but it is my currently and humble opinion on this case.
[b]edit[/b]
also, I don't sip expresso. I down it. Writing novels is neither a hobby nor a passion. I don't even do it. But I dibble and dabble in scribblin' and scrabblin' words together to piece an elegant and eloquent form of verbally expressive art. I resent the idea of macs and macbooks. The capitalistic ideology behind the company is absurd. I prefer the PC for greater technological freedoms. The closer to open source, the more free! Reasons for these can be understood at a deeper philosophical analysis, but those can be topics saved for another date.
[b]FLASH BACK![/b]
His story was something along the lines of, "my daughter is in this town two hours away having a baby right now. My wife is already there, but I'm a little short on change from making it there. Could you spare some money for the gas?"
"No, I only have cards on me."
"Well, there is an ATM machine there that you can withdraw from."
"I cannot do that due to insufficient funds on my account." Why would one ever be so desperate to seriously weed as much cash as they can from strangers? It all seemed unsafe and, in my humble opinion, only a stupid ignorant person would access an account in this man's presence. I would not doubt it if other folk have been kinder than I.
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On every subsequent occasion, I've stopped him midstory, "Sir, I don't mean to be rude, but I've heard this before."
"Ok, sorry." And then he leaves. Local patrons know the guy and have tried to request of him to refrain from soliciting the area.
One would think he would remember the people he has approached, but apparently not.
As of the most recent incident, I decided to be more vocal about it. His story never changes. His request is the same.
I cannot stand idly as a man acts with dishonesty, leeching financial funds from other folk. I do not believe he deserves the money he gets and I would not condone any person to act such as he. I reside in a college-based town, so it is vile for an old man trying to sneak a penny or two from kids who go to school for academia and education. It would be natural to presume that the money the kids have are given to them by their parents. Because of the source of financial support comes directly from their parents, it is my belief that it is not the kids' money to give. The money was meant for schooling and sustenance.
Don't get me wrong, maybe the guy needs the money. Begging is understandable and acceptable. It's okay for people to do it. However, to what degree is it unacceptable?
But I don't want people giving this man money because he is dishonest. I also do not want people to give away money not directly earned. The investment isn't theirs to give.
Philanthropy is only applicable by those who earned enough to share. And it is done when not asked of. Those who do receive support of any kind should require and deserve the assistance. And if helped, would be able to support ones' self after the situation is resolved. I would support a noble beggar who is honest with who he is and shows humility in being unfortunate.
A beggar who lies about his situation and continues the act even after the support is given is a leech. Secondly, the latter is the beggar who was given opportunities to restore his situation, but did not correct it appropriately. To continue asking for money without helping himself with the support given is not just for the cash he begs for.
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As I reflecting on this incident, I would like to share it; it is an outstanding philosophical lesson in philanthropy, humbleness, & humility.
it's really unbelievable how tactless some people are.
respect is of no monetary value. he's not losing much by existing without it.
[quote=FluffyKing]Whats his story? You could always spare some change ya know?[/quote]
I would never spare change for a beggar who is arrogant towards those who he is asking for some change.
Then again, you were the one told him he was lying, maybe provoking him to say those things.
got change kid?