Money Is: Power? Happiness?

Copyright (c) 2010 Scott F Paradisphysical world. And in this physical world we see
Money is the solution to all your problems. If only youlimited resources, limited time, and lots of competition.
had a million dollars - life would be bearable, interesting,We have come to believe, by lifetimes of physical
enjoyable, maybe exhilarating. With every wakingevidence, that our survival and success are dependent
breadth you concede money, money, money is theon our ability to compete for a share of the resource
answer to your prayers. Well is it?pie; to accumulate what we can, and thereby achieve
As the concept of money evolved over the millennia -some level of power over our existence.
substituting agreements of value for things - moneyDigging a little deeper leads to the question - Why do
became a substitute for power. The words: "money",we want money? In the final analysis it is not money,
"power", "property" have evolved as a series ofnor things, nor power that really matters - these are all
surrogates: with power the primordial desire, andmeans to an end. Life is ultimately all about experience
survival in a material world the paramount quest.and the experiences we seek are about abundance,
Things, objects - property, possessions - becameabout growth, and fulfillment. We seek money for
proxy for power. Over time money became a proxypower, we seek power for happiness. Ultimately, it's all
for things. The desire for power springs from a naturalabout happiness.
instinct to stabilize an unstable existence. Money hasLife is fleeting. We are on a temporary journey, moved
come to represent what we covet most - power.by some forces to act - what we seek is happiness -
Money is power!what we get is experience. If experience and
After the need to survive the most pervasive force inhappiness are not one and the same, then the task is
the human psyche is the drive to gain power. Wenot to labor for money - it is to find fulfillment.
want to be in control, we want to be in charge - weMoney and power are really only tools. What you
want to be powerful. So by securing prosperity forseek, truly, is to build an abundant, fulfilled and fulfilling
yourself and your kin, you aren't looking for money.life. Money, as a medium of exchange, as a unit of
You really aren't looking for tangible things; you areaccount, and as a store of value is one tool available
seeking power. But to what end?to you to use in this physical existence. Don't waste life
We are simple, relatively small and powerlessaccumulating money when what you really desire is
creatures making our way in a material existence. Wehappiness. Devote your time, energy and talents to the
judge our surroundings and our success by what wemanufacture of joy and money won't matter.
can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell - this is after all a