What are you worth?

"How much do you figure he's worth?" my lunch partner asks as she nods at a third party just feet away. Her voice is hushed and the question pours forth in tones of intrigue and conspiracy. I struggle to find a civil response. My companion has begun my least favorite game, "Let's Judge Somebody." I find this particular version especially appalling, that of reducing a human life down to dollar signs.

"I don't know," I finally answer."To his family I'm sure he's priceless. But down at the morgue ... well, I guess I don't know what a body goes for these days."

I know this is not what my friend means. I understand that she is looking at the well-dressed man with a certain disdain and she's seeking my cooperation. Maybe her attitude is bred of jealously. Maybe she feels inferior somehow. I'd hate to think that she assigns value to others based on their bank accounts. Then again, she wouldn't be the first to do so. Perhaps we all are guilty of this from time to time.

Just for the record, I'm worth a little under $5,000. I can say that now that I've run across the Cadaver Calculator, an online tool for those like me who are morbidly curious (or seeking to make a point)! The calculator does not factor in my immense potential or the sentimental value I place on my person. But what I like about it is this: it does not consider my net worth either. By not taking those extra assets into account, I get a needed dose of humility. One that keeps me mindful of the values I place on others.

I invite you to try it for yourself. What are you worth?

$4705.00The Cadaver Calculator - Find out how much your body is worth.

Comments

[Brenda]

Thanks to everyone who checked this out! It looks like our carcasses are all worth roughly the same! I think our real value, however, is untold. If it has to by tied to a numerical figure, however, I wish it was tied to how much we give than how much we rake in!

[Teena]

Ha! I'm worth $4075.

[Titania]

I am with you on this one Brenda. I am not into judging a persons worth by what monetary assets they have. I think we all have invaulable traits. It is just so sad that the world we live in only counts a persons worth by the money they have, the clothes they wear, jobs they have... etc.

But... I would like to know what my cadaver is worth. Afterall, I have taken good care of it. :O)

[Bernie]

At $3,880, I am apparantly worth less my 8-year-old, 160,000-mile, gas-guzzling SUV. Guess I better keep living.

[BB]

I like this blog. Thought provoking :-) My worth after all my bills get paid this week will be about 50 dollars. Paycheck to Paycheck isn't the best place to be- but hopefully it won't be for long!

[pepsoid]

Blimey!

I am evidently worth a measley $4140…

:|

Sobering!

(or something)

[Bimmy the Bookish]

Hey, they could get a whole $4775 for me! But I would only get $2965 for my McAndy.
Wonder if it's worth changing into an albino elephantitis type?

I applaud the point you are making, too many people are way too judgemental. Hope to get back to read some more soon :)