Van Rijn never starts a war to profit from it. Instead, whatever planet he is on, he finds some arrangement that will benefit all concerned. However, he certainly knows how to make the most of any existing situation. The Diomedeans are already at war so:
"'...where there are enemies to bid against each other, that is where an honest trader has a chance to make a little bit profit!'" (IV, p. 158)
There is the usual touch of humour. How "honest" will he be? How "little" will be the profit?
Here is a more practical idea:
"'...it is true that we must settle matters here, I think. End the war for them so they can do important business like getting me home.'" (VI, p. 163)
That is home from a planet where he cannot survive indefinitely because he cannot eat local food. Sometimes, the "profit" is mere survival.
Next, van Rijn will make an entirely pragmatic decision about which side to support. And that will not necessarily be the side that has just rescued him and taken him prisoner. Despite language problems, he is learning Diomedean politics surprisingly fast.
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
Successful merchants/traders have to learn the ins and outs of the politics of wherever they are if they want to prosper or merely survive. That's an ancient truism of human history--and one I would not be one bit surprised was also true on other worlds.
Happy New Year! Sean
Also, warfare is about forcing other people to do what you want -- which may be simply to "die" or "go away", or something more complex. Business is about -persuading- people to do what you want.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
I agree, as would Old Nick, who would probably say "Make trade, not war"! Another advantage of trading is that it's a peaceful redirecting of human aggressiveness and the competitive drive or urge.
Happy New Year! Sean
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