So, I came across this news that completely blew my mind. An actual banana—yes, the kind you eat for RM1.50 at 7-Eleven—was duct-taped to a wall, and someone paid USD$6.2 million for it. That’s over RM29 million! The “artwork” is called Comedian by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, and while it’s technically art, it’s also a brilliant joke on the art world itself.
At first, I laughed. Like seriously? RM29 million for a banana? But then I paused. If someone thinks it’s worth that much, who am I to say otherwise?
Why Would Anyone Pay RM29 Million for a Banana?
On the surface, paying RM29 million for a banana taped to a wall sounds absolutely ridiculous. It’s the kind of thing that makes you wonder if the world’s gone mad—or if rich people are just bored. But if we peel back the layers (yes, banana pun intended), there’s actually a deeper logic to it. Maybe not our kind of logic, but logic nonetheless.
See, in the world of high-end art, it’s not just about the object. It’s about what it represents. That banana isn’t just a fruit—it’s a statement, a conversation starter, a flex. It challenges the idea of what we consider “valuable.” When someone buys that banana, they’re not just buying the banana. They’re buying the story, the controversy, the cultural moment. They’re buying bragging rights.
It’s a bit like NFTs. To many, it’s just a JPEG. But to the buyer, it’s proof of ownership, an entry ticket into an elite club, and sometimes, a savvy bet on future appreciation.
Also—let’s not forget the investment angle. Art has always been a playground for the wealthy to park money. Traditional assets go up and down, but rare artworks? They tend to go up in value, especially when they’re infamous enough to make headlines. And if that banana gets more media coverage than some politicians, guess what? Its price could very well go bananas too.
In short, it’s about perspective, prestige, and potential profit. And honestly, if you had billion dollars lying around, wouldn’t you want to own the world’s most talked-about banana?
That banana, weirdly enough, reminded me of a little debate I had with my son.
It was about… printing in colour.
The Great Colour Printing Debate
My son needed to print a one-page document. But he insisted it had to be in colour. After our home printer broke down, we’ve been using the one at 7-Eleven. RM0.30 for black-and-white, but colour? RM1.00 per page.
So off we went. And when the file came out—get this—the entire page was black text, except for one tiny line in blue.
I looked at him and asked, “Worth it? Paying more than three times just for that one line?”
He, of course, countered with full-on economics 101: “Colour makes it more appealing and professional. Value is in the eye of the beholder.”
We didn’t see eye to eye that day, but it did get me thinking: that little spat over colour printing and that ridiculous banana have more in common than you’d think.
Five Money Lessons from a Banana and a Printer
1. Value is Subjective
To me, it was just a banana or a line of coloured text. But to someone else, it’s worth millions or that extra RM0.70. That’s the thing with money—what’s “worth it” to you might be nonsense to someone else.
Money tip: Spend in a way that aligns with your own priorities, not someone else’s checklist.
2. Opportunity Cost is Real
Every ringgit spent is a ringgit not spent somewhere else. The banana buyer could’ve bought a bungalow. My son could’ve bought 3 black-and-white pages.
Money tip: Before you spend, ask: “What else could I use this money for? Is this the best bang for my buck?”
3. Emotional Spending Isn’t Always Bad
Buying that banana or choosing colour printing? That’s driven by emotion. But not all emotional spending is evil.
Money tip: Budget for joy. Allocate some spending for the things that make you smile—even if they don’t make perfect financial sense.
4. Know the Difference Between Price and Value
RM1.00 for colour printing might seem wasteful, but if it boosts confidence or impresses a teacher? Maybe it’s priceless.
Money tip: Ask yourself, “Will this purchase add real value to my life or is it just shiny?”
5. Communication Saves Money (and Relationships)
That tiny debate with my son wasn’t about printing. It was about values—what we think is worth paying for. When money and feelings collide, clear communication helps.
Money tip: Talk about money early, often, and with empathy. Especially with family.
Final Thought: Everyone Has a Banana
To some, RM29 million for a banana is madness. To others, it’s art. To me, my son’s RM1 printout is a reminder that everyone has their own “banana” they’d splurge on.
So whether you’re taping fruit to walls or printing your best font in cyan blue, just remember: money is personal. Respect how others spend theirs, and focus on what makes sense for you.
Because, as my son so wisely put it: value is all in the eye of the beholder.
And that’s the real takeaway—the difference between price and value. It’s not about what something costs; it’s about what it’s worth to you. That’s exactly how smart investors spot hidden opportunities and grow their wealth strategically.
Want to learn how to do the same?
? Join my free online training here and discover how to invest smarter, avoid common traps, and make your money work harder for you.
Who knows—you might just uncover your own million-ringgit “banana” in the stock market.
