Imagine a time shortly after people have discovered the earth is not really the center of the universe, but the earth revolves around the sun. For generations people have looked up at the stars and navigated around the world and imagined what was up there. Did people’s souls go there? Add a government and clergy who really did not want to change their beliefs of the world, it is quite the mix. If you are interested in the story, then the book The Queen’s Conjurer – The Science and Magic of Dr. John Dee, Advisor to Queen Elizabeth 1 by Benjamin Woolley published by Henry Holt and Co, NY, 2001 is worth reading. Dr. Dee was one of those really bright people who in the 1500’s was looking into the stars and using the instruments of the day was almost perfect to what the instruments we use. This was also the time Europeans were writing and exploring the lands to the east or North and South America for they were looking for alternatives routes to China and Asia where the spice trade brought high markups or good profits. On the maps of the day, North and South America were not explored so people believed there were methods to go around them – the Arctic (they would find out it is cold and the water freezes. They should have known for it was not too long ago that trade between London and St. Petersburg, Russia had started). Mr. Dee was in contact with the map makers of the day, had a position advising the Queen and was interested in the stars and mystic world.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, there is little magic to know but the compounding interest is great magic to work with when you buy shares – the combination of dividends plus capital gain is quite a sight to take advantage of and been seen. The search for alternatives is the reason why dividend buyers pay attention to the market place, not for the new concepts, but the ideas that can bear fruits as they catch on and change the marketplace. The learning is the how it can help or additions, not necessarily the new. If you buy and hold, keep paying attention to the alternatives.

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