Wallet Find

I found a wallet on the side of the road during a walk recently. It was filled with money and credit cards and identification, so it had been dropped not stolen. Easily returned. No problem.

The owner insisted on giving me a reward. I know this is a common expectation among some people--to give or receive a reward in this situation--but I don't understand it.

What am I being rewarded for? Is it an incentive for honesty? Since you didn't steal the money, you can have some of it? That doesn't seem effective--if money were my goal, stealing would have netted more.

Is it a reward for accomplishment? Maybe, but I'll admit right up front, it was no challenge to bend at the waist and pick up a wallet. Rewarding that seems bizarre.

Should I see it as condescending? If his boss had found and returned it, would he have insisted on a reward? His next-door neighbor? His sister? It's hard to imagine. His manner, though, wasn't at all condescending.

His manner was both relieved and celebratory. He talked a lot and fast, with no gaps for me to refuse. So, maybe his intent was to celebrate his good fortune that a small mistake didn't turn into a large one. That fits his demeanor. It's a pleasant thought, so that's the one I'll stick with.

It seems appropriate to donate the money so the celebration is spread around the community. That's what I'll do with it.