It’s a Wonderful World

In the late 1970s, FedEx unveiled its slogan, “When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight.” Today, Amazon operates under a similar slogan: “When you absolutely, positively need it tomorrow.” But sometimes, tomorrow isn’t soon enough.

Last weekend, I was preparing an Indian dinner for some friends. One of the dishes I wanted to make was saag paneer—creamed spinach (saag) with chunks of cheese (paneer). While there are a number of Indian grocers a few miles from my house, I was feeling adventurous. I decided to make my own cheese.

I knew that the ingredients—whole milk and lemon juice—would be easy to obtain. However, I also needed cheese cloth, and I was less confident that I could find it. A search on the website of my favorite grocer showed that they carried cheese cloth—at a store ten miles away. Another search revealed that a Target three miles away also had it in stock. And so, I ventured to Target, fearful of the crowds that I might confront.

My fears were unfounded, as the store looked like it might on a typical Saturday morning. I quickly found the cheese cloth and then ventured to the opposite side of the store to get the milk. That short journey reminded me of what a wonderful world we live in.

On one side of the wide aisle were rows of pots, pans, kitchen gadgets and utensils. On the other side was clothing. Walking along the back aisle, I passed sheets, towels and assorted bathroom paraphernalia on one side and electronics on the other. Then I passed sporting goods and automotive products. Finally I reached the food section, which was adjacent to the office supplies. On the way to the register, I passed pharmaceuticals and jewelry.

The vast selection of products was truly inspiring to see. It was a monument to production. Of course, Amazon has an even more impressive selection of products. But sometimes you absolutely, positively need it today, and even Amazon can’t guarantee such rapid delivery. Fortunately, the Internet enabled me to find what I needed when I needed it. It truly is a wonderful world filled with productive achievements. And my friends enjoyed my productive achievement–the saag paneer.