There’s a little nugget tucked away in the Pentateuch – the first five books of the Bible authored by Moses. The eighth chapter of the book of Genesis proclaims this wisdom. “For as long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest will never cease.” In other words, reaping will always follow sowing. One way or another. Year-in, Year-out.

Sitting on these piles of lumber (our first pre-harvest harvest; commercial timber growers would comprehend) reminded me of this, and the words of Solomon – the wisest (and richest man) that ever lived: Put your investments in several places – many places even – because you don’t know which will succeed, this one or that, or all.

Starting in our late twenties, Mona and I have taken so many chances, and with that came some spectacular Kodak-finish fails; the kind that leave you shaking your head at street corners, with pockets turned out and passers-by glancing pitifully in your direction . But that did not dissuade us from our firm belief that the greatest economic sabotage the devil ever pulled was persuading folks to play safe and “save” their discretionary income. Not invest it.

Having money lying around (even in secured savings) is fools’ gold. Especially in Africa where there’s a plethora of investment opportunities. Did you know that every dollar invested in Africa generates 13 more? That, my friend, is not everywhere!

This ilk of economics is borne of wisdom that is not the stuff of sanitized classroom settings. Rather, it is learned and lived out on the streets, and in the open fields.