From: oly2059 )
Subject: ANA raises dues
"They don't understand what makes us tick."
Bob Olson

I collect achievement. I do have some rocks and minerals and
meteorites. Most of what I own is an example of someone else's
intelligence and hard work. I have a lot books, a few objectively
"rare" perhaps, but all of them with content that affected my soul. I
have two complete sets of encyclopedias (Britannica and Colliers). I
have Alamancs from 1949 to present. Books like these I use for
references as a writer. Even if I did not write, however, I would
still own them for what they deliver to me: the highest levels of
human achievement.

As for the "collector ethic" I do not have it. The Almanacs from 1949
to present are not continuous and I see no reason why they need to be
-- and they come from different publishers. It is an assortment, not
a collection.

So, too with numismatics. The ancient Greek coins, the industrial era
stock certificates, the check written in pencil with the name of the
bank crossed out and another written in, they all represent virtues of
productivity, exchange of value for value, and successful
self-interest. Owning "one of each" never appealed to me.

In the book, _Fahrenheit 451_ Montag explains his passion for reading
by saying, "Inside each of them is a man. I want to know the man."
At the last MSNS convention in April, I bought two notes from the
Central Mine of Eagle Harbor. Last week, I finally started
researching the mine, the Upper Peninsula, and the history behind the
monetary artifacts. I undertand from John Stone that in addition to
my $5 and $10, there is also a rarer $15. It might be nice to own. I
have no objection to owning it. I also have little passion for
pursuing it to complete the set.

What makes you tick?

Michael
ANA R-162953
MSNS 7935