On an unknown, uncharted island, in a sunny southern sea, there dwells a race, long favored by the gods. A perfect climate, a fertile soil, waters of limpid purity, and vast resources of mineral wealth make this island habitation a material paradise.

The intuitive wisdom and practical intelligence of the people of this highly favored race restrict their increase in numbers so that they dwell in their island home ever enjoying the unfailing abundance of its resources. They have developed the arts and sciences to a degree where nothing is lacking to provide ideal comfort and every material luxury.

To a man in our so-called modern civilization their way of practicing business is unusual to say the least. While apparently knowing nothing of the uses of money, their methods of exchange cannot be called mere trade or barter. It is hard to describe to a citizen of our mammon-ruled world just how these strange people fulfill the functions of what we call business.

For a better comprehension let me cite a few practical examples. A man on one end of the island is interested in raising wonderful vegetables. The fertility of the soil, the semi-tropical sun, abundant rains, and the intense love and interest he bestows on his task result in an unheard of abundance of the most perfect garden produce.

In our time and society the man’s next step would be either to sell for the accepted medium of exchange or to store for a future market. But in this strange community every accepted usage appears to be in reverse order to us.