The Ethical Lexicon #49: TAANSTAAFL

Adopt the pro-empowerment, anti-entitlement mindset

After diluvian water damage rendered their townhouse uninhabitable, a surreal twist of bureaucratic fate provided them temporary quarters in the most luxurious apartment building in Los Angeles.

The lavish amenities included a high-class indoor/outdoor café area that provided complimentary breakfast for residents each morning. Guests were included, which meant that my wife and I could take part in the morning repast.

On our second day visiting, however, my daughter was driving carpool and my son-in-law was getting ready for work. My wife and I pondered whether or not the breakfast policy extended to guests unaccompanied by their resident hosts.

We assumed it did, and if we simply walked into the breakfast area, chances were that no one would say anything.

What did we do?

Please click to enjoy my latest column in Fast Company and find out.