The Power of Money

It has been said before that money is the root of all evil. Personally, I see the world from a different perspective: It’s the lack of money that leads to poverty, crime, and the worst within a human being. Money itself is not a necessary evil, but it is necessary. We all make money, spend money, need money, and use money whether we like it or not. Is there an alternative?

Socialism

A socialist society is characterized by economic and political equality for all individuals. It is a classless society in which the means of production and property are commonly owned. Private ownership is abolished and capital is valued based on the labour theory of value. What would happen to a society that had an egaltarian method of capital distribution and economic compensation? The lazy would get lazier, and the ambitious would get frusterated. Take any stream of socialism from communism to social anarchism. Here are the problems:

• People are not the same! Some are ambitious and creative, while others are lazy and indolent. The majority are in between. How could you explain to the first group of people that they will have the same standard of living as the second group of people? Does that even make sense?

• The only true value of capital is what somebody is willing to pay for it. This is basic supply and demand, the foundation for modern economics. I don’t care if you’re using Dollars, Gold, donkeys, or monopoly money; there must be a currency which is exchanged when a buyer and seller agree. Capitalism is practical and fair: Freedom & safety for everyone, get what you put in, skies the limit. Everyone should be entitled to their own “American Dream.”

Capitalism

I am a true capitalist because I live by the ideals rooted in hard work and a dream. A democratically elected, strong, transparent government is very important to the foundation for a solid country. Canada provides many of the sociological, economic, and political values that I agree with. A damn fine country if you ask me, and I’m proud to call it home.

So, money is essential; but it’s not everything. Unfortunately, many people are controlled by money in a cycle of work & consumption. Addictions, frivolous spending, material accumulation, keeping up with the jones’, living beyond their means… This is not me. I strive everyday to be in control of my money, and therefore in control of my life. I’m not impressed by name brand designer clothing, expensive leased cars, and big ridiculous mansions. I love money because of the flexibility, security, and comfort that it provides for my life. Every morning I wake up thankful that the day ahead is entirely up to me.

Money = Happiness

Who ever said money can’t buy happiness? Lets get things straight. Money may not be mandatory for happiness. Some people live paycheque to paycheque, blow their money at the bar on Friday night, and can’t even afford a beer on Saturday. Yet, they are happier than a pig in shit. You know the people I’m talking about - happy go lucky, live day-to-day, always down the their last buck but couldn’t care less. Great people, great friends, a blast to hang out with - but its just not me. Anyways, with that concept being humbly admitted, I really believe money all but guarantee’s happiness. Disagree if you will, but ask yourself this question: “How many rich, sad, depressed, introverts have your ever met / seen / heard about?” Not too many. On an unrelated note, I whole heartedly believe that money cannot buy love. Time to conclude.

Do you think money is the root of all evil? What are your driving forces in the pursuit of wealth? Can money buy happiness / love?