[Hammerhead]

maybe im woefully stupid, but I really never understood the value of gold. Water, oil, food? yes. but gold?

Seriously, what is gold really good for besides it's conduction properties.

given the choice of what I would want on a deserted island, a heavy chunck of metal is LAST on the list.

[Publius]

If you live alone on a desert island, then you're right. Gold is useless.

But if you live among other people who need things when you need things, and the local currency is heading to Weimar and Continental levels, then gold is the key medium of exchange. Silver and platinum are good, too. Oil is consumed, as are pork chops and ground steak.

A day may come when an ounce of gold will buy something that you'd need a wheelbarrel of Federal Reserve Notes to pay for.