You hit on something here that I wanted to explore further - the fact that money in America (and Canada, where I live) is a religion. I say this as a religious person who sees the derision "wiser, more knowing people" direct at anyone religious, and it makes me laugh because I think we, as humans are wired to worship something. I don't judge anyone who doesn't acknowledge what they worship, and I think for many people, they don't even realize they're worshipping something. They think they're evolved beyond that point and completely objective.... But I believe that our default, as a society, is to worship money. It's honestly the only explanation there is for why we don't do certain things while we do others.
That's exactly the thing! This essay was my first stab at trying to make a larger point. I have been playing around with writing a much longer piece about this obsession/worship of money, but haven't fully committed yet. Mostly because I don't know if I have a good enough handle on my impulse control to not publish it before I can flesh it out with enough research and analysis to really make it punch. I would love to see what you would/could do with this topic.
Aint that the truth, so many people don't know where their next meal is coming from, or how they're going to pay their rent/mortgage. Times are hard all around. Thanks for reading!
Stanley, I remember those rides on the subway, on my way to school or work, and I appreciate your telling this larger story about money. You paint the picture vividly, like I can see these people. When i say i don't have any money on me, it's a lie I tell myself right? I've had money thrown back at me from the homeless; i've seen blood and piss on the subway cars; and still these people deserve so much more than that $1. I've given food instead of money if that's what I have on hand and people tend to be more receptive to that. People are hungry. Sometimes that look of acknowledgement that the other person exists is better than the money. Those subway rides brought the world into focus and gave clarity to my reality. What if I was the one asking? I'm sad for those who are asking, but being asked is a privilege and I try to be prepared to give something, before I am asked.
You hit on something here that I wanted to explore further - the fact that money in America (and Canada, where I live) is a religion. I say this as a religious person who sees the derision "wiser, more knowing people" direct at anyone religious, and it makes me laugh because I think we, as humans are wired to worship something. I don't judge anyone who doesn't acknowledge what they worship, and I think for many people, they don't even realize they're worshipping something. They think they're evolved beyond that point and completely objective.... But I believe that our default, as a society, is to worship money. It's honestly the only explanation there is for why we don't do certain things while we do others.
That's exactly the thing! This essay was my first stab at trying to make a larger point. I have been playing around with writing a much longer piece about this obsession/worship of money, but haven't fully committed yet. Mostly because I don't know if I have a good enough handle on my impulse control to not publish it before I can flesh it out with enough research and analysis to really make it punch. I would love to see what you would/could do with this topic.
Wanna do something together? Either a piece or a convo? Different angles...
That could be really cool! Let’s chat!
I had the same experiences another day this week. There are so many folks struggling and I'm struggling too
Aint that the truth, so many people don't know where their next meal is coming from, or how they're going to pay their rent/mortgage. Times are hard all around. Thanks for reading!
Stanley, I remember those rides on the subway, on my way to school or work, and I appreciate your telling this larger story about money. You paint the picture vividly, like I can see these people. When i say i don't have any money on me, it's a lie I tell myself right? I've had money thrown back at me from the homeless; i've seen blood and piss on the subway cars; and still these people deserve so much more than that $1. I've given food instead of money if that's what I have on hand and people tend to be more receptive to that. People are hungry. Sometimes that look of acknowledgement that the other person exists is better than the money. Those subway rides brought the world into focus and gave clarity to my reality. What if I was the one asking? I'm sad for those who are asking, but being asked is a privilege and I try to be prepared to give something, before I am asked.