Banks and Books

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the King of Pentacles; from Rory's Story Cubes, Book:

          I normally like the King of Pentacles, but this guy feels a little icky. I think it must be the microphone; it appears he's about to do an info-mericial. He reminds me of the TV preachers who sell prayer cloths or of a certain presidential candidate touting his wealth as proof he should be elected. This King might have the money, but I'm not so sure about his generous, kind nature. I'm fairly certain if this guy gives you a hand up, he's going to expect a hefty payback at a high interest rate. And even then, you may never get away from his influence. The Book cube reminded me of a woman from the book club I attend. The discussion one day turned to why most Jewish people were so intelligent and well educated. She (a Reform Jew) told us that the Jewish people have always been persecuted and run out of many countries. One of the few treasures they could always take with them was knowledge. The card and cube together illustrate a quote by Frank Baum: "No thief, however skillful, can rob one of knowledge, and that is why knowledge is the best and safest treasure to acquire."