With apologies to Dickens, it feels as if we are in the worst of times, and the worst of times; an age of foolishness, a season of Darkness, and a winter of despair. The shares of respectable United States and British banks have fallen by 90%, car companies are offering two for the price of one, and the best governments can do is throw paper money at the problem.

But, surprisingly enough, we’ve been here before.

In the 19th century, there were massive economic failures in America (1819, 1837, 1857, 1873, 1893), Britain (1825), and Australia (1893). Banks collapsed. Economies shuddered. People blamed the system.

The crises of the 20th century are also easily forgotten. Of course, the Great Depression is often quoted – but what about the financial panic in the UK in 1973? Or the Japanese price bubble that began in 1986? Or the Asian collapse of 1997? The only difference now is that the problem is a worldwide one. The perfect storm.

But we have learnt from the squalls of the past. And the lesson is this: gold has always retained its value. Long before the current crisis – some 3000 years ago – this precious metal was being used as a medium of exchange. In particular, it became a store of wealth in dangerous times – because governments in those days couldn’t be trusted. Fast-forward to 2008 and Geir Haarde of Iceland who, just months before his unceremonious dismissal claimed that Iceland was famous for its fortitude and prudence. ‘We may for a time be bloodied, but we are unbowed,’ he said. Shortly afterwards, Mr. Haarde himself bowed out.

The point is, that in times like these, gold can still be trusted. Gold can preserve your wealth – just as it has for 3000 years. It can help you keep perspective, breathe a little easier, and stay happy. It’s an insurance policy for the good life – something everyone should own.

Gold allows you to weather the storm, put your feet up, and maybe relax with a good book. Dickens perhaps?