We hear popular sayings that, "Money makes the world go round". It is apparent that we are living in a materialistic society where we are judged by what we possess materially. People go into relationships with the ideology of what can I get out of this, or securing their financial future.
It is interesting to observe dynamics of the relationship between people and money. You will find that when people meet you for the first time, they normally ask where do you reside and what do you do for a living -- I've realized sometimes those questions are asked to determine your financial status, with an exception of few good intentions. When you stay in an affluent suburb and having an appealing occupation, their attitude and approach enhances; on the other hand, you will be devalued even when they might not indicate it on the spot.
Money is simply an enabler to realize our desires and goals. The simple definition of money is the "purchasing power," a medium of exchange for goods and services. It is a means to an end, not an end in itself.
Media has magnified the illusion of wealth as living luxuriously, misleading people into the debt trap trying to copy those in the upper echelon of society.
Hollywood seems to be encouraging that "if you got it, show it" -- distorting the masses who doesn't know that the majority of millionaires are living simple lives, few own Rolex watches.
It has not always been this way that people are driven by money in their daily lives. Look at the previous ages of the farm, industrial and the current knowledge worker age. Since money was introduced as a means of exchange, people became obsessed by the substance which represents their desires.
The fact is, politicians use power to get money, and business acumen use money to get power. It is not a surprise that the Forbes list of powerful people is dominated by politicians and wealthy people.
There are three things which are said they can make a minister of the Gospel to fall, being women, money and pride. However, there is one that can instigate the other two which is money. When you have money, women are drawn to you easily and, secondly, pride becomes the general route - so money is central.
It is depressing to be seen somehow because you have more money, because you are not in the picture, but your money draws the attention. We know many rich people don't have real friends, a fact exposed when they go through a rough pad. Such friendships are artificial, like a painted fire that doesn't give out heat.
I'm reminded of the movie Coming to America and Eddie Murphy's character who visits America in search of a bride, to find true love. How he did it was to hide the truth about his wealthy family back in Africa, which worked for him.
In my world of business, money is the catalyst to make things happen. It matters not how brilliant an idea might be -- without money, it's only a day dream, unless you use the idea to attract the investment.
I'm of the school of thought that money does not change a person, but reveal who they really are. You will hear people saying, "Since he's got money, he has changed." That's not true, he has always been like that. The lack of money humbled him then.
After all has been mentioned, money is still necessary as King Solomon also said, "Money answereth all things."