Interesting question!
Can money perform actions by itself? Is it not merely pieces of paper and shaped metal alloys? If this is true then how can money be the root of all evil?
I’ve had many interesting discussions over this topic especially with left-wing socialists who believe that the world would be a better place if we ascribed to an economic system that gives each person equal portions.
By asking this question we’re making the assumption that money has some level of influence over the beholder. That in effect, those who earn or have more money are more likely to be “evil” than those who don’t. If it were true then we could safely assume that those who have the least amount of money would be the nicest people in the world. Conversely presuming the opposite of wealthy people.
Or is it just that people are somehow altered by having money that they end up being more evil as a result? This could be true but it therefore alleviates the finger pointing at money and pokes at the behaviour of the person.
My theory is that some people are inherently evil with, or without money, while others are characterised with kindness and generosity with, or without, money. It’s just that money exposes what’s actually inside the person who has it.
Money, in the hands of an evil person, can cause ultimate catastrophe not only to the person who has malicious intent but also to the victims who suffer at their hands. Take 9/11 as an example. Were the terrorists evil before they secured the finances to pull off their devastating act or was the money merely a tool in their already grubby minds?
The fact of the matter is that we just didn’t know they were that evil until the money became available. Once the finance was secured the plan was put into action but only as a result of the evil they had already purposed.
On the other side of the equation, there are many people who are filthy rich who live on modest wages and donate the surplus to needy charities. They create philanthropic trust funds that benefit the poor, the sick, the homeless and basically anyone in dire need.
Was it because of the money that they became generous? I doubt it. If a research study were conducted I’m sure we would see a trend that people who fall into this category were characterised by generosity prior to having the money. It was just that when the money became available they could be more generous than they previously could have been.
The Bible says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils…” (1 Timothy 6:10 ESV). Why? For we see that people who lust after material wealth (money) are inherently selfish. They pursue it for their own selfish ends.
This doesn’t mean that we can’t have our own ambitions, desires and dreams. It merely means that we need to keep it in perspective. Think of others, not just ourselves. Consider society before you consider your 3rd Porsche.
Money is purely a tool, either for good – or for evil. Place it in anyone’s hands and it will be like holding a mirror to their soul.
Comments
Another money myth / quote is that “money buys happiness”. My take on that part was to talk in opposites by proposing that “money doesn’t buy happiness” BUT “lack of money makes you sad”.
Do you think an opposite take on this “money is the root of all evil” would help?
Another derivation of money and evil is:
1. Girls require time and money: girls = time * money
2. “Time is money”: time = money
3. So girls are money squared: girls = money^2
4. “Money is the root of all evil”: money = sqrt{evil}
5. So girls are absolutely evil: girls = [(sqrt{evil})^2] = |evil|
Very cute Finance Junkie.
Vince(Investorial) – this is quite possibly a good idea. Re: your “money buys happiness” I have another post that I talked about such a philosophy. Check it out.
Time is money. And definitely depends upon person to person.
It is not money itself…For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs and pain. 1 timothy 6:10 which is true
I believe this negative saying/belief is evil. my dad installed it in me since I can remember probably about 6 or 7. its dangerous. you tell your kids this when they are young what chance to they have to have a life, family and have good relationships. Im 37 now and still live in poverty, can’t pay my mortgage and bills. I love personal development and have taken courses in EFT. EFT is the best and easiest way to remove negative beliefs so we can all have a life. The unconscious mind is so powerful and if it takes on negative beliefs then you have negative life experiences. My conscious mind wants a life of wealth, prosperity and abundance and I have done plenty of affirmations, however its convincing the unconscious mind and letting go of the ‘money is the root of all evil’ belief. I am doing EFT on myself to rid all of this. If I have kids I will teach them that money is good and you can help people with money. There are alot of rich people that give money to charity to help people, so why is this belief still around. When a person lives in poverty its because of his/hers core beliefs, usually inherited from the parents. How can a person help someone else if they can’t even help themselves. People that are rich have had positive core beliefs from a young age. Thats why they look at the poor and wonder why they are so poor when money and wealth is so easy to attract. Its because they were brought up in a home that had positive core beliefs about money and wealth. When these people start working they find it easy. When the person who inherited a poverty consciouness when they go out to work they find it very hard to earn the money. Another thing, when poor people win the lottery how many times have you seen it that the person that wins after 1 year or 2 they are skint again. its because their unconscious mind is still saying they are poor and they are still in a poverty consciousness. They haven’t spritiually grown so they lose all their money.
Money itself is not truly the root of all evil – it is the love or the worship of Money. As the lord says, we cannot serve money and God at the same time. I agree with your points. – Nice article. Keep it up.