An old canard tells the story of little Mary, who whenever she was offered the choice between a dime and a nickel would invariably choose the nickel.
Her parents and her parents’ friends and her family all thought this innocence was charming, so they frequently offered her the choice.
And how they laughed when she inevitably took the nickel.
Her grandfather however was dismayed to hear how his granddaughter was being taken advantage of.
On his next visit, he took her aside and also offered her the choice of a dime or nickel. “Oh, Grandpa,” Mary said, “
Everyone knows I always take the big one.” She said, reaching for the nickel.
“Mary, honey,” he said gently, “Don’t you know, a nickel might be bigger, but a dime is worth twice as much?”
“Grandpa,” Mary replied, “Don’t you know that the first time I take the dime they’ll stop offering?”
