On Money
I usually like to stay somewhat within topic, but the following relates in a sense, which will be explained further on.
Money. Those who do not have it, want it. Those who do, want more. This is a generally true statement across the board: From secular to religious, from famous to unknown, from rich to poor; transcending gender, age, location, and occupation. Why is money so important?
Maybe I don’t get it because it was never an issue as I was growing up. Granted, my parents surely weren’t millionaires, but we rarely sweated funds. As a side note, my father built his own business with the help from my mother, so we were essentially “new money“. But I didn’t have it that good. I mean, I did, but I was teased a lot and had major confidence issues back then so it feels like it almost evens out. I never asked for much, just small things here and there, within reason. To explain just how trustworthy with money I was (and still am, though I’ve moved on – I’m 27 and married now), my parents gave me my first credit card at 15 that I rarely used.
I resented some of the other attitudes from friends and neighbors surrounding me who were snobby and stuck up, even those who weren’t from well-to-do families. I guess it’s just the in thing. One of the girls who teased me the most in elementary school once remarked to my mom that she wished she lived in our house. So I guess that partially explains it. But why is money so important?
Perhaps it was never an issue so I didn’t crave it. Fast forward a few years later; I was thrilled to have my first car at 17, a brand new Grand Am Pontiac. By then, I had long disassociated myself with the stuck up money-centered crowd, the ones who just had to have the Beemers and the Lexuses. Those who would just die to be seen in anything less.
I can understand the evolutionary desire to have one’s basic needs met: food, clothing, shelter. But it doesn’t end there. To apply for most jobs, you need a phone and/or an email address, not to mention (in some cases) a degree! Oh yeah, and you better be dressed appropriately, too. Having a cell phone is barely a luxury these days. Some possessions are not only necessary but important; its the constant clamoring for bigger, better, and more that I don’t care for.
The fact that its rarely for oneself, but in an attempt to impress others, is shameful to me. Some people will claim they get their ‘morals’ from religious texts but seem to overlook their attachment to money. Yet, this behavior runs across the board, so I’m not pointing fingers at any one subset of individuals.
I just can’t bring myself to understand why money is so important to some. What’s the most important thing to me? Good health. Without it, all the money in the world will do nothing for you.
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