Marc talks about money in light of the stock market upheavals this week. Gets me to thinking about our pursuit of money, ostensibly, through practical application, to support health and happiness, both of which are frequently the first casualties in the life-long race for it.
(I say this thinking of the fact that I spend 40+ hours per week at work when I'd rather be at home, which I couldn't afford if I didn't work.)
My comment on his post ended up being something I wanted to share here:
Money is the only viable global religion. Money talks any language and is so non-partisan as to be seen as welcoming compared to other, more retributive, gods. It is the one great, silent, ubiquitous beast that envelops the world with its influence.
When something significant happens at a financial arterial junction, the ramifications can't help but be felt on a national or global scale. Currencies are as varied as the peoples of the Earth, but money (never to be confused with currency) is the same the world over. A prick in her arm will be felt by the foot.
Therefore, much as money really is tangibly meaningless, we have all ascribed such importance to it that it is not.
If we could barter in health and happiness and apply some physical manifestation to be used as its currency, would that then replace money as a means of trade; be exchanged side-by-side with money; or do little more than degrade the inherent value of two things to which a physical measurement cannot be applied, nor should be?
Which reminds me, I have a couple of lotto tickets tucked into the sun visor of my truck that I ought to check the numbers on!