Inflation is when you pay fifteen dollars for the ten-dollar

"Inflation is when you pay fifteen dollars for the ten-dollar haircut you used to get for five dollars when you had hair." These words from Sam Ewing offer a humorous yet poignant observation on the nature of inflation and its often absurd effects on our daily lives. Through a clever analogy, Ewing highlights not just the rise in the cost of goods and services, but also the subtle realities of aging and the changing economic landscape. Inflation, in its simplest form, is the increase in prices over time, but what makes it so striking is how it seems to touch every aspect of our lives, transforming something once so simple and affordable into a luxury. Ewing's quote is an invitation to reflect on the invisible forces that shape our economy and our relationship with money—forces that, like time itself, creep upon us without warning, often leaving us with little choice but to adapt.

In this analogy, the haircut represents something that once seemed trivial and accessible, yet in a world where inflation has taken root, even the smallest of services becomes more expensive. The five-dollar haircut, once a simple and affordable service, now costs fifteen dollars, a reflection of the larger economic changes that have made once-basic needs harder to meet. And yet, the humor in the quote is found in the idea that the speaker no longer has hair, which suggests not only the effect of inflation on the material world but also the passage of time itself. Inflation, like the slow march of aging, takes away from us without mercy. The humor serves as a means of coping with the undeniable truth that both inflation and age rob us of our youth and our resources.

The ancient philosophers, notably Aristotle, spoke often about the cycle of life, noting how the world and the economy are ever-changing. Aristotle understood that change is one of the few certainties in life. As people grow older, they often find themselves facing the consequences of time: the body ages, resources diminish, and the things once easy and affordable become elusive. In this way, inflation is a modern reflection of a truth Aristotle understood: the world is constantly in flux. We are often powerless to stop the changes that come, but we have the ability to adapt, to reconcile with the shifting tides of life. Just as we cannot stop the passage of time, we cannot stop the economic forces that dictate how much we pay for even the simplest of pleasures.

Consider the story of the Roman Empire, which reached the heights of power only to suffer greatly due to economic instability. As the empire expanded, so too did its expenses, and the cost of living for the average Roman citizen skyrocketed. Inflation in the Roman Empire led to rising food prices, increasing taxes, and a growing divide between the wealthy and the poor. The rulers of Rome were unable to reverse the economic tide, and eventually, the empire crumbled under the weight of its economic mismanagement. This historical example shows how inflation, unchecked, can erode the foundation of societies, forcing people to live in ways they never thought possible. It serves as a reminder that, much like in Ewing’s humorous quote, the cost of even the simplest things—like a haircut—can spiral, pushing the boundaries of what we once considered affordable.

Ewing's quote also reflects a universal truth about the inexorable passage of time. We begin life with certain expectations, but as years pass, we often find that those expectations are not met. Our bodies change, our circumstances shift, and the world around us evolves in ways we cannot predict. Inflation serves as a metaphor for the slow, creeping effects of time—things cost more, take longer, and we find ourselves having to compensate for what we have lost, whether it is youth, energy, or resources. The rising costs of goods and services are not just economic facts; they are symbolic of the rising cost of time—what we must give up as we age, and what we must invest in to remain relevant and capable in an ever-changing world.

The lesson in Ewing's words is one of acceptance and resilience. While inflation is an undeniable force, it also teaches us that adaptation is key. Just as we cannot fight the rising prices of goods, we cannot fight the passage of time. However, we can adapt to both. Just as we learn to cope with the financial pressures of an inflated economy, we must also learn to cope with the emotional and physical changes that accompany aging. The secret is in how we respond—not with bitterness or regret, but with wisdom and flexibility, understanding that change is the only true constant in life.

The practical lesson here is to embrace change as it comes. Whether it is the rising cost of living or the inevitable aging process, we must find ways to adapt. For those of us facing the effects of inflation, it means making smarter financial decisions, seeking out alternative solutions, and maintaining a sense of grace and humor in the face of these challenges. Similarly, as we age, we must embrace the lessons of time, adapt to the changes in our bodies, and find joy in each new phase of life, just as we laugh at the absurdities of inflation. The more we accept these realities with wisdom and flexibility, the more we can navigate life’s changes with a sense of peace and purpose.

Thus, let us remember that inflation—like aging—may be unavoidable, but our response to it is where our true strength lies. Let us learn from Ewing's humor and history’s lessons, making peace with the forces beyond our control while continuing to adapt, laugh, and live fully in the face of life's rising costs, whether they are financial, emotional, or inevitable marks of time.