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> If you have heard about Jubilee years, in large part they involved all debts being forgiven. Why would I loan you any money if I anticipate a "Jubilee" year?

• scarmig 14y ago
  Because the idea that "the only reason to lend money is to make more money off of interest" is a modern innovation and very much out of line with how people have thought historically. It's interesting to think about how much contemporary civilization has convinced us that certain things are universal absolutes when in fact they are fairly odd cultural tics in the broad view of history. Seriously, if that question interests you, check out the book I mentioned. Debt has always existed, but it has meant a very different thing to the 95% of people who have ever been born than the concept you or I grew up with.
  • anamax 14y ago
    > Because the idea that "the only reason to lend money is to make more money off of interest" is a modern innovation and very much out of line with how people have thought historically. Jubilee isn't about interest, it's about principle. If you're not going to pay me back, it's a gift, not a loan. I'm pretty sure that "pre-moderns" understood the difference. In fact, the whole idea of Jubilee assumes understanding of the difference.