80/20 Christmas

The 80/20 rule might have been created to explain an economic phenomenon, but it explains virtually all human behavior. Why? 80% of humanity is right; 20% is wrong? 80% is capable of thought; 20% follows the herd? Or vice versa? Evolution must somehow account for the 80% wanting protection from its vagaries and 20% favoring the free market. 80% must realize expensive, branded perfumes are no better than $1.00 Family Dollar bottles, but the egos of 20% need stroking. 80% of shoppers buy standard handbags, but 20 % rush to snap up the bargain Ralph Lauren reduced from $244 to $80. 80% of omnivores purchase food at retail establishments with sliding price scales, but 20% must fool themselves into Whole Foods or Fresh and Easy comestibles with no measurable advantages. 80% of music lovers hear music secondhand, but 20% throw dollars at performers of pop and rock concerts, the highest ticket price being $141 for Celine Dion (whose CD I bought for $2.00 at a local thrift store). The problem with the governance of the 80/20 rule is that its participants keep switching allegiances. Sometimes I fall into the majority; other times into the minority depending upon the issue involved. This Christmas, I’m with the 80% whose consciences and/or beliefs lead them to a church service commemorating the birth of Christ, the Savior. The 20% are on their own.