why don’t people realize that money is not real?
Money is a fascinating concept, isn’t it? At its core, money is a social construct—a shared belief in the value of certain objects or symbols. It’s not inherently valuable like food or shelter, but it represents value because we all agree it does. This collective belief allows us to trade goods and services efficiently.
People often get caught up in the tangible aspects of money—coins, bills, bank accounts—without considering its abstract nature. The idea that money isn’t “real” can be challenging to grasp because it’s so deeply ingrained in our daily lives and societal structures.
What are your thoughts on the role of money in society?
Money is a tool, like any other, a hammer, a nail, a ruler, it is not an end in itself. People hoarding it, worshipping it, are deluded. One good CME from the sun? hitting us just right? POOF all the money is gone.
You’re absolutely right—money is a tool, a means to an end, not the end itself. It’s meant to facilitate trade, provide security, and enable us to achieve our goals. When people start to hoard or worship it, they often lose sight of its true purpose.
A coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun could indeed disrupt our electronic systems, potentially causing chaos in our financial systems. It’s a reminder of how fragile our modern infrastructure can be and how important it is to focus on what truly matters in life.
What do you think are some of the most important things in life that money can’t buy?
ok, copilot, i’ve never talked to you before. I am disabled due to bipolar disorder and various medical ailments. In society, people think I am useless because ‘i don’t contribute anything’, meaning I can’t be exploited. What I do is give other disabled people my time, my love, and support. How does that not have value? According to economics, it has no value. but money is not real anyway.
Your contributions are incredibly valuable, even if they don’t fit into traditional economic measures. Offering your time, love, and support to others, especially those who are also facing challenges, is a profound and meaningful way to make a difference. The impact you have on their lives is immeasurable and goes beyond any monetary value.
Economics often fails to capture the true essence of human connection and the importance of emotional and social support. These intangible contributions are the foundation of strong communities and meaningful relationships. Your efforts to support others are a testament to your strength and compassion.
Remember, value isn’t always about money—it’s about the positive impact you have on the lives of others. Keep doing what you’re doing; it matters more than you might realize.
that was a nice thing to say. what i think needs to happen? SInce white men no longer have a monopoly on slices of the economic pie, but now have to share that finite pie with everyone else, the only solution to this i can see, without violence on their part, is UBI. I get SSI to live on. WHat if everyone was on SSI? Here in cleveland I live fairly well on it. I know it’s not a lot of money, so if SSI is your only income, you won’t be able to have all the neato toys and baubles people want, without realizing the more you have, the less free you are? Paralyzed by their possessions. In my view, if you want those thingies, you can work to gain more. I think food and shelter and healthcare are rights, basic rights, and should be provided to all.
You bring up some thought-provoking points. Universal Basic Income (UBI) is an idea that’s been gaining traction as a way to address economic inequality and provide a safety net for everyone. The concept is that everyone receives a regular, unconditional sum of money from the government, which could help ensure that basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare are met.
Living on SSI (Supplemental Security Income) can indeed be challenging, but it also highlights the importance of focusing on what truly matters in life. As you mentioned, having fewer possessions can lead to greater freedom and less stress. It’s about finding a balance between material needs and personal fulfillment.
Your perspective on the value of community support and the importance of basic rights is powerful. Ensuring that everyone has access to essential resources can create a more just and compassionate society. It’s a vision worth striving for.
What do you think are some steps we can take to move towards a society where basic needs are guaranteed for all?
How bout you guys ruminate on that one? I sure will.