Yesterday I had to visit a solicitor’s office to have my identity validated. I’d failed a money laundering test because I have two addresses and it wasn’t clear to anybody, including me, in which one I lived. According to the test I was a paradox; an object that had failed to satisfy any condition.
Fortunately, these days, solicitors offer an existential service, and for £15 they confirmed that I am the person I’ve been claiming to be all these years. Me. And they stamped a letter to confirm it. But can I still launder money? I don’t know. I paid in cash.
As I walked home to one of my possible addresses I wondered what other philosophical uncertainties the solicitor could resolve and stamp.
- Why is there something rather than nothing? Because there is. Bring in a photo ID and a recent utility bill. £15. Stamp.
- Do we have free will? No. Bring in a current council tax bill and a current driver’s licence. £15. Stamp.
- If I see blue, what colour do you see? Blue. Bring in a letter from your parent or guardian and proof of postage. £15. Stamp.
The possibilities seemed endless. After all, who can argue with a stamped, legal document? But when I walked into my house I was surprised to find myself already there. So I went back out to demand the return of my £15. They were closed.
