Raj Patel is an economist whose recent book is 'The Value of Nothing: How to reshape market society and redefine democracy'. In the book, Patel argues on the concept of 'value' and presses the need for a change in the way we perceive 'value'. Patel quotes Oscar Wilde: "Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing". Little did he know that his own value would increase drastically, not related to the price (and of course the sale) of his book!
It was after Patel appeared on television and gave interviews to boost the sale of his book, his 'value' increased exponentially. Watching him on the Colbert Report, a comedy show in the US, a religious cult announced Patel was their 'Maitreya' - the world teacher. The value they put on his skin colour and features far outstripped the value of his 'thought-provoking' book. Members of Share International believe their leader will have dark skin and stutter and will appear on TV.
The 'Maitreya' is supposed to awaken the desire for change, work and speak on better utilisation of resources. Patel who fit this bill received several emails and enquiries from followers of Share International who asked him if he was their 'Maitreya'.
Some of the more eager ones travelled several miles to meet him in person during the book launches only to be told by Patel that his value starts and ends with his ability to write and campaign on pressing economic issues and the rationale behind that.
In an interview to Sun, Patel claims he has taken off his email and contact details from his website, which I think has the potenial to diminish his value as an academician. The website of Share International doesn't mention Raj Patel by name but you do not need to stretch your imagination too far to realise that Patel has impressed them.
The Oxford and LSE educated Patel born to Indian parents and brought up in London has vehemently denied all such claims and has been quoted as saying that he is an ordinary bloke and not their 'Maitreya'.
I wonder what would have happened if he had said he is their 'Maitreya'. The price he would have had to pay for the 'value' associated with he being the Maitreya would have been much higher. And Patel at the end did what economists do the best. Match the value and price. Patel has chosen to be valued as an economist based on the £10.39 cover price of his book. Nothing more, nothing less!!
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