“Worth”. What (or how much) are you worth? Can you put a number on it?

Well, that depends on what you mean by worth.

Your worth / wealth can be evaluated from multiple perspectives—financial, chemical, economic, philosophical. functional, and social. And don’t forget your subjective self-worth. Ok then, let’s work through this list to put a price tag on you; i.e., your market value.

• Financial: To quantify your worth in cold currency is simple – all you need is a calculator. Assets minus liabilities. So – are you in the red (broke), or black (solvent)?

• Chemical: If you recycled your elements (based on market prices), a 70kg body might recoup a dollar or two. In other words - SFA

• Medical: On the meat market, if you traffic your organs or tissues (for medical use, that is), you may be worth something. As a donor (in great shape w/o lotsa kms on the odometer), your pre-loved organs could net you (or whoever your body broker is) a megabuck or two. Then again, as a cadaver (strictly for medical research), you could hock your bod for anywhere between $500 to $5,000. But, you don’t get to collect the cash.

• Philosophical: Beyond material worth, intrinsically you’re priceless; a unique work of art. But hey, that doesn’t mean you’re not for sale (if the price is right, of course). Mind you, that doesn’t stop us all from sometimes just trying to give ourselves away. (Or throw ourselves away when there’s no takers).

• Functional Worth: On the Labour Market what’s your earning potential? An employment agency would hang a price tag on you based on metrics such as profession, skills, education, age, experience or sex-appeal.

• Social: Depends on the role(s) you play - parent, caregiver, advisor, leader, charity worker, etc. In such regard, you are valued according to what, how much, and the quality of service you offer to others. Of course, your value to community, family, or society is immeasurable in cash terms.

• Subjective / Personal Worth: What are we talking about here? Self-esteem? And just how do you rate that? Well, you could start with the popular Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (check your score online at www. wwnorton.com/college/psych).

Your true value­—essentially, how valued you are by others—is not how much you have, but how much you give. It’s measured by your actions, achievements and impact. And the currency of value is … respect.

Do you offer it and receive it, and if not, why not?

The thing is, respect has to be earned. It’s not a shingle on your door; or the alphabet of qualifications attached to your moniker; or the badges of rank adorning your uniform. It’s certainly not a mark of deference that one can be cajoled, bribed or bullied into.

Your personal worth equates with the respect you’ve earned, and is revealed by the influence you exert. It’s revealed by your character and personal qualities: your IQ (Integrity Quotient); trustworthiness, benevolence, and thoughtfulness; your creativity.

You get the picture. So, what are you worth? Quite simply - are you a giver or taker? Do you add value to the world?