GOLD, GAMES AND GAGS
GOLD, GAMES AND GAGS
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I've been reflecting on how one concept links all these things.
King Croesus of Lydia introduced the world's first true, standardized pure gold coins around 550 BC, and ever since this metal has held and represented wealth. As a heavy element, any alloy with other metals will weigh less, and so be easy to identify – it is difficult to adulterate. As a tangible physical substance, the demand for limited supply tends to keep on rising, particularly in respect to paper or electronic currency. Yet, sometime in the not-too-distant future, mining asteroids might make earthly quantities of gold seem insignificant, changing the equation. To believe in money – or for that matter things like nation states or religions – we have to collectively buy into the story.
Shimming and jinking, the Mens’ World Cup Football tournament has as I write got to the semi-final stage. After pre-championship political prizes and promotions, the games have seized popular attention. Punditry plays across the globe with quite remarkable levels of sharing and solidarity. We can bet on but not predict the winners, and unite behind a team – with charm, thrill and pleasure. For free. When there is political interference to bend or twist the regulations there is almost universal denunciation and scorn. Winners of a fair result on the pitch mock backroom attempts that reek of grift to influence the result, defiantly stating ,“Overturn that”. And most cheer. Modern bread and circuses or not, the globe is captivated but also accepts the rules and the winner.
12 July 2026
And a feint back to politics. In the country of my origin, the highly successful populist leader of the last decade, who perhaps single-handedly edged the British public to vote for Brexit, has recently resigned as an MP in his constituency to trigger a by-election. The delicate soul has called accusations upon his probity foul (claiming a UKP 5 million donation was personal and questioning why it should be subject to regular political scrutiny), and insinuated harassment, including of his family (shock: a journalist knocked on the door of one of his many residences where his daughter was staying, and was told to go away). The other main political parties have dropped out of the by-election, and a comic character with a dustbin on his head has stepped in as the main opposition which, by dint of its alter ego (a talented comedian) has punctured the hypocrisy of said populist as well as exposing the ridicule, ineffectiveness and lack of common touch of much of the political system.
What links these? Trust. Yes, trust in the story of money – but this is revealed as the last thing that can buy happiness, joy and respect. Politics may gag others – but the gag can eviscerate the politician.
Trust is the currency that helps us to play the game better, respect our opponents, and in an honorable sense make us laugh and call out the naked Emperor. Whether through satire or honesty, it punctures – through literally changing the narrative – simplistic and self-interested black-and-white dog whistling.
See further musings – on death, life and loss – in my book, The Punctuation of Loss, imminently forthcoming.
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