Staying in the year around 1500, another family which dominated the events in history was the Borgias. In a book about the Borgias written by Clemente Fusero, Praeger Publishers, New York, 1972,  the Borgia family was originally from Spain and one of the ambitious sons moved up the leadership levels of the Catholic Church to eventually become Pope. In the 1500’s, being Pope was different than it is today.

Back then many Pope had children and families prior to being Pope, now days the Pope is single. In the days of the Borgias, having children and many nieces and nephews was important to consolidate your power. In the feudal system which existed, the armies of the Kings of the country would battle for control of lands and money from the lands. In the case of Italy, the country was divided into a number of states and the leaders would shift who they favoured from time to time. When the alignments changed, to protect themselves or at least give the sense of protection, a daughter, son, niece or nephew was married off to another leader’s sons or daughter. It was hoped that the marriage which was arranged and considered suitable would result in a long term relationship. If all went well, the children grew to love each other, had many children and were good administrators. The children prior to getting married had likely not met one another.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, the Pope was trying to create dividends through a peaceful or relatively peaceful time. It is easier to buy stocks or create financial stability with existing dividend paying stocks. The long term outlook will the companies which have been adaptable in the past will be adaptable in the future, for now they have enough market share to ensure continued dividends.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions