Business debates who benefits most from time. When borrowing money, the debtor gains the benefit of time until the repayment date. Since the period before repayment favors the debtor, the debtor compensates the creditor with interest. However, as the repayment date approaches, time shifts to favor the creditor. After the due date, the debtor loses the benefit of time, known as ‘acceleration of debt,’ and must repay both the principal and interest. Time benefits debtors but poses risks to creditors. Therefore, lending money without interest results in a loss. All of this illustrates the power of time. Time is money, and money derives its value from time. The most important factors for CEOs to focus on are time and, next, opportunity cost. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Paradoxically, one of the reasons for Rome’s demise was that it kept winning wars. Victories expanded the empire’s territory, and the risks increased proportionally. Men, primarily middle-class men, volunteered as soldiers; the larger the territory, the longer the wars lasted, and the longer it took for them to return home. The women who remained at home were forced to borrow labor and became indebted to the nobility. Eventually, the women were sold into slavery, and by the time the men returned, their families had disintegrated. People don’t betray because they’re evil, but because it increases their risk. If the territory you’re in grows, you might reconsider your loyalties to the organization. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”