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Yes. Both Damien and Nadia's responses seem to assume that trade is
only about material objects and that human emotions are somehow not
subject to the principles of communication and economics that are
nicely summarized by the single word 'trade'. >>
Yes, but the key to this statement lies in your wording: "SEEM to assume" -
but that is not what i assume. Trade *in itself* is a wonderful manifestation
of a fair and equitable mind. It is rational. It allows for much pleasure and
gain. Even more importantly, it is a great starting point for fixing and
maintaining a boundary against altruism and selflessness in a society where
self and individuality is sorely misvalued.
Yet, still, I think it has it's limits as far as human interplay is
concerned, it cannot always be a guide, it's that "if all you have is a
hammer, everything looks like a nail" thing again.. yet it is indeed a great
tool for many situations, including some interpersonal ones; it need not be
discarded in entirety, just becuase it is not always the most useful tool at
the moment.
I think communication and economy are but two of myriad activities we will
engage in over our lifetimes... our long, long, lifetimes....
; )