Agree or disagree? Random thought to ponder

[Lorna]

People are controlled by money as animals are controlled by food.

Tie a piece of food to a string & pull it, and the animal will follow it.

Tie a $20 bill to a string & pull it, and the human being will follow it.

I personally would say that this is true to a degree. Are we as humans so easily able to simply "buy one another off"? Money can even tweak the wheels of justice.

What are your thoughts? This is pretty deep, so take your time to think about this one before you post.

[Elizabeth]

Hi Lorna,

Reality TV suggests you are correct. I think that because we live in a capitolistic society, to a large degree, money not only means power, but freedom.

And while money can not buy happiness, it sure makes misery a lot easier. I have been poor, and I have made really good money. The only thing I notice really about making a lot of money, was that my life was convenient. Things like the ability to take trips, or to drive a dependable vehicle, have the right tools, all are a matter of convenience. However, I know there are lots of studies that show there is no correlation to wealth and happiness, and indeed some of the happiest times, have also been the poorest.

Love always,
Elizabeth

[Loretta Ann]

Lorna I have given this much thought over the last few years.
And I first want to say you are right.

This world is full of things that are designed to get your money. And by and large the biggest target is things that people need to make them feel good.

That is probably the biggest blessing that being a cross-dresser provides for me. Cross-dressing makes me feel good, so I don't need all the other things that people tend to chase after, that are expensive, and need to be continually replaced.

[CJ]

Hi all,

Lorna,

I have to agree; people do, indeed, seek money and sometimes try to influence others through financial means. However, I don't think "buying people off" or "tweaking the wheels of justice" is their primary goal. Just like an animal will follow food, not for the food's sake, but in order to satisfy its hunger, so people want money in order to meet their needs and desires (which may be different from one person to the other). In this sense, money (or financial ease) is but a tool.

What I find more regrettable than the fact that people want money is the fact that those who want our money (for example, insatiable corporations) will go to great lengths to get it (for example, by calling on the Madison Avenue wizards to come up with ways in which to create and foster unnecessary "needs" in human beings--you know, like, "Buy this minivan and your loved ones will be SAFE and PROTECTED and CARED FOR; spend this$39,995 and show them you LOVE them." [insert tinkly, sentimental piano music here]). Ugh!

I've been homeless before; I've also rubbed elbows with company presidents. To be honest, in either case my needs were pretty similar... food, shelter, clothing, some social pleasures, and the opportunity not to have to worry about the basics too much. The problem with needs and wants and desires is that we often fail to hold them in check, once they become frivolous. At some point, enough is enough. We're never encouraged to believe this, though, because that would make us poor consumers--the economy would crumble. We wouldn't want that, now, would we?

Love,
CJ

[Jadeanne]

Hi all,

This is my personal view of money:

I'm thankful that I have enough to meet my needs and have a little extra, but not so much that the concerns and responsibilities that come with great wealth would dominate my life.

Jadeanne

[Jamie Ann]

     Up to a point, I agree. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, greed or avarice or covetousness (i.e., chasing after money to the detriment of one’s growth as a human being) is considered a serious failing. However, so is gluttony (i.e., consuming more than can be justified by any real need). I think people can fail in both ways, whereas lower animals do not have the mental or conceptual abilities to be as moved by greed. It is true that the dominant squirrel gets first choice of mates and acorn-hunting territories, so maybe a simple form of greed exists among animals, too.

     We girls who enjoy shopping and chocolate, of course, must not be too critical of others!     

[Virginia]

I think that Elizabeth hit a homer with her interpretation - convenience! Yes, life is more convenient with $$$. The old adage:" Money may not be the most important thing, but it is far ahead of whatever is in second place."
And my Sis, Darlene, $$$ can sure make my wardrobe look great as I do seem to have expensive taste - silk skirts, blouses, underware, etc.
Guess it is just a "necessary evil."
Virgina

[Beauty]

Hi Lorna,

I agree too, with the "thank God" exception, that people aren't always driven by what is instinctive. Fortunately there are people out there who don't adhere to the norms. Unfortunately these magnolias are rare and so that's why I agree that most people are like you stated.

God bless those who have seen the light and march to the beat of their own drum.

Beauty

[Jassmine(SO)]

Hi Lorna

Great topic!! Everyone has made some excellent points

My take on money is, it is a necessary evil. As much as I prefer the barter system, how would one pay for electricity and other utilities one needs. One can't just ship a flock of sheep to the electric compnay On a smaller scale, though, bartering works very well.

Right now, I only wish to have enough money to survive and provide for my critters. With enough left over for saving for a rainy day and donating to some worthy causes. Ok, and enough for some simple pleasures, like visiting my daughter in Ohio and splurging on some plants and candles

Oh, one last thing....."The LOVE of money is the root of all evil" A lot of people have a tendency to get that wrong and say that it is money itself that is the root of all evil. Money is just a tool, what one does with it or for it is a whole other realm.....

*Hugs & Love*