How much is one life worth?
In this volatile and ridiculous time in which we live we are somehow forced to remind ourselves that “lives matter” – this question has more merit than you think.
How much is one life worth? Really?
Well, contrary to popular belief, it’s not “priceless”…
Each and every life has a value, and we’re not just talking emotionally, we’re talking cold hard cash.
But how would you come to find out how much that exact number is?
The answer to that question is easy: it depends.
The value of a life is not only relative to their impact on people as individuals, but it’s also proportionate to the amount of celebrity or infamy that person gains throughout their time on this planet.
For example…
When my friend’s father passed, the world hardly took notice.
Sure, my buddy’s family and close friends were directly affected by this death, but the world at large went on without skipping a beat.
To most, my friend’s father’s life was worth exactly zero…
But in retrospect, the news of Osama Bin Laden’s death was not only followed by celebrations around the world, but there was also a measurable monetary gain experienced by millions around the world.
What am I talking about?
I’m talking about the very real occurrence of upside market movement in connection with the death of a world-renowned celebrity.
Keep in mind, what I’m about to show you is a crude calculation, and in no way is going to be 100% accurate, but again, I’m using it to prove a point…
And that point is, lives DO have a monetary value.
A few years ago, after the announcement of Bin Laden’s death, the American stock markets jumped significantly from their Friday closings – the Dow – which closed at about 12,800 – soared almost 100 points on Monday, opening at 12,870.
While a half a percentage point gain doesn’t sound like much, at the volume, were looking at a $1.7 Billion gain on the Dow alone…
That doesn’t take into account how much the Nasdaq, S&P or any individual stocks made during that same time.
If one were to be so inclined, you could calculate exactly how much the life of Osama Bin Laden was worth…
Or should I say his death?
Either way, the bottom line is, a lot of people made a lot of money from this global event.
Even more amazing?
Michael Jackson’s life was even more valuable than Bin Laden’s…
If you take the volume and price of the Dow the day before he died and the volume and price the day his death was announced…
The Dow saw a $3.1 Billion dollar jump…
So Michael Jackson’s life was worth almost double of Bin Laden’s.
Stands to reason though, because regardless of how you felt about the singing sensation, he at least added something to our civilization, instead of trying to break it down and destroy it.
But like I said…
The value of a life is relative.
In these trying times – please keep in mind that while not all lives have the same monetary value – all lives are equally precious.
Our great country is being divided right now – and regardless of what side you’re on – the simple fact is we need to find some common ground.
Please, take care of one another…
“Money will never be as precious as this one life we live.” – Jonathan Burkett
Regards,
Ethan Warrick
Editor
Wealth Authority
