THIRD THOUGHTS

Third thoughts

                This story “Third Thoughts” is a humorous story written by E.V Lucas. The writer of the story had a friend. This story was told by his friend. He has such luck that he bought goods in the dearest market and sold at the cheapest. But he believed that he would be successful one day. When he was walking on the way to the Calhedral city, he reached old curio shop, where, his eyes went upon a portfolio of water-colored drawing. He asked dealer if it’s Turner’s painting or not. The dealer was not sure. However, the dealer sold him at ten shillings. Next week, when he took painting to London, he got it checked and it turned to be turner’s original. He sold it at 50 pounds making as unexpected handsome profit. He became very happy and excited. He decided to share half of profit to the dealer but he couldn’t get ticket in the post office. He went home, kept the letter and went to the bed. He woke up at about 3.30am and he pondered over his entire life. He took the ideas of sending half the profit as a mistake. So he decided to send only ten pounds. He again began to think about the dealer and realized that the dealer would be expecting same amount from other customers from the next days to come. Since other customers would not be like him, so they would not send gifts. If it happens the shopkeeper would live all the life with the false hope. So, he decided to send only 5 pounds. He again thought about his business and realized even 5pounds may anger the goddess of business. So, he decided to send only one pound. In the morning he dressed up and went the club for lunch. There people were playing cards. He also began to play cards and lost much money. At last he returned home without sending even one pound to the dealer.

                The psychological story shows the constant changing nature of human mind and business policy. The most important thing in the story is that in business buying and selling are straight forward dealings. It has nothings to do with human consideration, emotion, feeling, sympathy, faith don’t work in the business. Once, goods are sold or bought they have no obligation towards each other. The story also shows importance of patience and risk in business.

This story offers knowledge about business policy. However some ideas of the writer don’t seem convincing. Does any seller sell his good without knowing about it? How can the customer get turner’s painting in such a low price? Does anyone want to share profit with dealer? Does sentiment work in business?  Yet, at the end of this process, this story is interesting and informative which teaches one about business policies and dependence of luck in business.  

                After reading this humorous story, I now know importance of patience in business. This story taught about decision making. This story reminded me my own story. Few months back, I bought bangles for Rs. 200 when I visited my friend's house. She loved my bangles. She asked me to sell it to her and was ready to give any price. I charge Rs. 400 and never ever told anyone about this. She loves bangle and I am happy with profit and new sets of bangles.