Money: A blessing? A curse?

[Xzile the Tainted]

All in all we grow up. Some of us live happily others, not in the least. Through my experience I've found that money controls everything. It has even gone as so far as to people saying what someone is worth by the possessions they possess, the simple status of their overall value. What I want to know is, does the Smashboards community think money; the means we work for, go to school to get an education for, and attend college to gain bountiful amounts of, is a blessing or a curse?

All in all, I've witnessed things; some things people will do to obtain money. Growing up, kids being picked on because they wore something from Payless opposed to the latest Jordan shoe, or Levi jeans from Wal-Mart opposed to Platinum Fubu or Ecko UNLTD. Others, nameless jeans compared to other popular name brands. Or because they didn't have the new Madden game or video game console. Girls refusing to go out with guys because they don't have enough money, or have the material appearence they would prefer.

Though, others with no money do live contently in their lives. They have familys, they grow up, they have friends and groups, and not having any doesn't corrupt them. They remain friendly and down to earth and don't raise their noses up at people because of what they wear or what they rock. This is also the same to those with money, as every street is a two way one. It can go to either sides.

In my own opinion. Money is as much of a blessing as it is a curse; Though only a blessing when you have plenty of it. Otherwise, it creates problems that destroys marriages; ruins childhoods and destroys the quality of life in general.

 

[Vinnie275]

It is neither. Money is just like any other suffering in your life, you will grow from it, or it will make you bitter. It depends on YOU -- your attitude determines if money is a good or bad thing. Your actions will reflect that.

 

[Kitten]

Sure, money causes corruption and suffering. But it's not going away any time soon. The people with the power have the money, and they wont get rid of it. I think we just have to accept that it's going to remain a part of our lives. Not to mention, money does make the economy function much more effectively and with out it we'd probably be living in little villages still, bartering at markets. With money being in banks, we can make transactions on a large scale without having to send the other person like 4 cattle to get a new sofa.

 

[bluezaft]

Money doesn't destroy quality of life, it defines it. It's having too much desire for money that screws people over.

 

[Tom]

Most of the problems you mentioned weren't really at the fault of money, but of childishness. When you mature, you realize that nobody really cares what kind of jeans you're wearing. Sure, you can't wear them to a business meeting, but thats just for formalities sake.

A relationship built on money isn't a healthy one at all, and if she leaves him because he's broke, she wasn't ever really with him. They brought each other happiness, but they we're happy because of each other.

I think you answered your own question right here:

Though, others with no money do live contently in their lives. They have familys, they grow up, they have friends and groups, and not having any doesn't corrupt them. They remain friendly and down to earth and don't raise their noses up at people because of what they wear or what they rock.

For many, life is just about happiness. If your relationships, friends, and family make you happy, then you don't need the snazzy suit or the fast car. We all know that goods make us happy, but if you live like its the only thing that makes you happy, then you're just being childish.

 

[fluffy]

Too much of anything in general isn't good. I hate it when people keep saying that money is bad because it really isn't. Too much fat is bad. Too much sugar is bad. Too much of anything is bad.

MONEY IS GOOD AND PEOPLE SHOULD STOP HATING

 

[Jammer]

Here's how money works:

Before, people worked to make their crops grow. Then, they traded crops for other stuff, like horseshoes. Money is just the middle man.

But I think we're talking more about material possessions in general.

I'd say money's not a bad thing. If having money makes you unhappy, I really doubt you'd be happier with less. Seriously, it's in all the movies and stuff, but I don't know anyone personally who would truly be happier with less money.

And another thing: money is power. If I had a billion dollars, I don't think I'd just sit on it, nor would I use it to buy 10 houses and a hundred super fancy cars. I'd invest it in something worthwhile, like research into new ways of getting energy. Either that, or I'd use it to help Zaire pay off its international debt or something.

Money's not a bad thing. Having the freedom to buy and do what you want does not make one unhappy. What makes people like that unhappy is that they use money to fill a void in their lives that was already there.

Aspirin tablets aren't bad, right? But if you a bottle of them, you die. But you'd have to be trying to kill yourself to eat a bottle of Aspirin tablets. See the anology?

Also, Xzile the Tainted, just wondering: Would you consider yourself an anarchist?

 

[Vicious Delicious]

The want for money isn't a bad thing, nor is the want or desire to make money a bad thing. Having a lot of money isn't bad either, so long as you know how to control yourself with it and use it wisely. What makes money bad for certain people is that:

A) Greed can take people over, and greed can manipulate people at their expense for one's personal gain.
B) Not knowing how to control your spending once you have a large sum of money.
C) A & B

Just my opinion

 

[pikachun00b7]

I am keeping this short.

Money is not evil, the love for it is. It will then cause greed and you will not be satisfied.

 

[S.O.S.]

this thread makes me lol


Xzille does have a valid point. and rok wtf y did u change ur name?

 

[Blackadder]

Ehh. Money isn't evil, a lot of the things you mention are less caused by money, and (I'd say) FAR more the fault of silly, childish, immature people.

It depends on the person. A selfish, greedy, childish person will not handle money well, but (And I'm going to say most of us here) most of us handle it fine.

 

[joeysmash]

come on guys its just paper.....

 

[Vinnie275]

Topic is sucking

You turkeys have materialistic views.

 

[cF=)]

Money is not a blessing nor a curse; what the **** seriously?

If you can't afford good looking clothes everyday, just buy less or at least don't buy those ridiculously horrible shirts with a wolf and a moon on it. I went to a wal-mart the other day just to witness shirts were 20$ each, while the good looking clothes I wear cost the same price.

Avoid this, by all means.

 

[FireWater]

Eh money is what you make of it.

My parents are middle class, my girlfriend's parents are in the top 1% of incomes in the United States. Both view their money differently, but both are still very cautious on what they spend their money on.

Unfortunately, with money often times comes an arrogance, especially 2nd generation and on. These people brag about their parents accomplishs often times to provide an illusion that they themselves are worth the same amount of praise. I'm greatful that my girlfriend does not behave in this way.

Debating whether or not money is evil or good unfortunately does not change whether or not it is important in society. In American society, I think money is the most important thing, as it is a quantifiable measure of worth (theoretically). Since we pride ourselves on being the "best" we need something to measure it by.

 

[McCloud]

Money's a blessing. It'd sure as hell be nice to graduate college without debt, or have money on hand to help your parents.

Money'll come later. But **** if I don't want some new stuff every once in a while.

 

[Livvers]

Hey now. I would've thought that shirt was AWESOME in middleschool.

I wish I had more money, but that's because I'm pretty broke right now and owe my parents money =D