We sure like to grab anything on offer, anything that is free.

Some years ago, a scientist went into the jungle to study the behaviour of apes. In order to get close enough to observe the animals, food was placed nearby for them to come and take. Great scientific claims were made in relation to the idea that we humans are not the only ones prone to violence. Awards and commendations were made towards this scientist for her enormous effort. All awards and commendations were somewhat modified years later when we came to the realisation that her interference had consequences. Her stupidity of giving things to animals for free led to the violence. The apes were fighting over the free stuff. Different clans of monkeys vying to grab the lot.

Free leads to fights. Free stuff leads to discontent.

Discounts lead to squabbles too sometimes.

Shops have advertised bargains galore. Items reduced from 200 to 20, and in they come. Pushing, barging to get what is up for grabs. Fighting, elbowing others out of the way. A stampede. People have been thrown to the floor and walked over. All to stop oneself having the feeling of missing out.

A petrol attendant entered the number wrongly. Instead of 131p they put 13.1p. What did the first customer do? Walk in an explain that there was a mistake? No. What she did was get on her phone and tell everyone that petrol is available for next to nothing at the moment. Queues quickly formed. Greedy, uncivilised are we that join in. I say, the next time you make a mistake, think about how aggrieved you feel when everyone takes advantage.

If it is free we grab what we can, as much as we can.

I stayed at a hotel where breakfast was included. A large buffet. Astounding but I suppose not surprising were the numerous souls that filled their containers with juice to take away. Pockets were stuffed with all kinds to gorge on later in the day. I am not exaggerating when I say that masses of 'free' stuff was taken.

Then we come to the most hideous thinking, people with fine intentions, but no understanding of animal nature. UBI. Universal basic income. Rewards given easy are not appreciated. A youngster does a paper delivery round and saves the earnings up to buy a game machine. Another youngster simply asks for a game machine in lieu of "good behaviour" or for making their bed each day. Who will appreciate the game machine the most? Who will look after it the most? Reward is linked to work. Giving people free money is like giving zoo animals their daily dollop of food. It pacifies but never satisfies. I could cite more examples and talk about this for quite some time but as much is already contained in the book, I can direct you there instead. (It is a free book, maybe you would appreciate and value it more were it not free? )

Addition 28/07/2025

People complain loudly that they should not have to pay to park at NHS hospitals. They enjoy the free treatment. Many will get over £20,000 worth of treatment for free. Though they do pay for it via the tax system - it is free at the point of delivery. If the treatment is free, they feel the parking should be free.

The same people that demand free parking at a hospital will pay something like £100 to park at an airport. The holiday is not free, so they accept that the parking won't be free either.

My birthday, my treat, I paid for eight people to join me at a restaurant. The bill came, £400. I paid, no problem. I suggested though that the others leave a tip, whatever amount they liked. How much do you think the eight left between them? You guessed correctly. £0.00.

I am sure the psychology of free can be exploited in many ways to good and ill effect. One day I will formulate something of use in this regard.