Lighthouses seem, on the surface, to be the very embodiment of proper order and discipline. But if you think about it, a lighthouse arises from pure, heart-melting generosity. What I mean is this. Landlubbers don't need lighthouses. We're already safe on land.

Lighthouses cost a fortune to construct and more to maintain. Lighthouses needed the expensive and cutting-edge technology of their eras. All this, and yet each particular lighthouse only minimally improved the lives of the people who lived in its community.

So why did people build them? Deep-down, I think, we fragile humans understand we have to watch out for each other. If we know where shoals are, then it's our job to warn strangers. The spark that compels us to mark dangerous spots for each other is generosity. Without this, we are not much more than a pack of greedy thieves.

Yet when each shore-hugging burg and town built a lighthouse, the waterway became safer for all. Shipping became possible. Travel and trade became practical. Everyone benefited.

Watching out for each other is good for business.

We should keep this in mind.

By Mary Beth Danielson