I saw an advertisement for a computer priced at $9,999. What is extraordinary about this simple fact of life? Well, for a few minutes I kept thinking about the $9,000 computer, until it dawned on me that I had been duped as the advertisers had hoped I would be. It was a $10,000 computer.

How powerful is the 1? In the case of the computer, it is equal to 1,000. In Grade 4 the 1 was Mrs Saunders, who showed me how learning could be fun and kindled an interest in the Far East in me that is obviously still present today. In High School, Grade 12, the 1 was Mr Minnaar, who changed my life's direction by inspiring me to become a teacher, as opposed to the by now undoubtedly wealthy accountant I might have been. At University the 1 was Ann Smith whose energetic English Literature teaching excited me and broadened my mind to alternative possibilities.

Then there was the 1 bad experience that made me feel for others as I had never done before - a devastating fire that ruined people's houses and lives - and has affected how I think about others since then. The 1 relationship that made me realize that my actions have consequences beyond myself. The 1 outburst of petulant teenage selfishness that hurt my mother and made me aware of the power of appreciation.

What is the power of 1? Add $1 to $9,999 and there is a knock-on effect - 10 carry the 1, 10 carry the 1, 10 carry the 1, 10. All the 1s in my life have had similar knock-on effects. There is nothing more powerful than 1.

11 April 2002

Dion Marc Delport

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