Hidden Genius

I had to take the bus home today from the mall and most of the trip was what I would consider uneventful. I am however always looking around to see if there is anything or anyone that seems strange to me. Today was one of those days.

A homeless man caught the bus. I know it’s not a big deal in a city for a homeless guy to get on a bus. They get on buses every day. I just thought I would watch this guy—mainly because my mp3 player died and I was bored. Anyway, he had on a dark brown hoodie—with nothing underneath, muddy jeans and old work-boots. He carried with him a tattered cardboard square that said “spare some change” on one side and had the Tropicana logo on the other. He smelled like urine and looked as if he liked to swim in it.

This is about the description I would give to any bum on the street; but this guy piqued my interest when he went to put the two dollar fare in the bus. Out of his mud and urine soaked pocket he pulled out a large wad of cash. From what I saw he had at least four twenties. This means he has a net worth that is better than mine.

This frustrated me—on the one hand I can think negatively, “This untouchable is even doing better than me!” I however decided to go with this thought, “This man sits on his ass, begs and makes more money than a hard working part-time lackey.

This man is a genius!

A student of Oxford several years ago—as part of his masters for sociology decided to quit his job and beg for all his money. He wiped windshields with Windex and newspaper for a pound each. He was not only able to feed himself with his new profession; he paid off nearly half of his school loans within the year. He was so successful that he nearly quit school to become a professional homeless person. He would make more money if he was “on the streets” full time, and the money he would make would be tax-free.

I have decided that I would personally never resort to trading my pride for money. It occurs to me when people say to his or her local beggar for them to get a job; I will from now on pause and think—“They have one and it pays better than most.”