So, you think money is at the root of all evil? You know what they say about clichés – like bumholes, everyone has got one. It’s a phrase that you say when it’s not really been thought through.

I would offer a different view. The bad intention behind the use of money is the root of all evil.

Think about it.

Money isn’t all bad. If it was, why would we be trying so hard to make it or get it? First and foremost – it’s for our survival! We do happen to live in a society where money is required to buy the bare necessities. Whether it’s to pay rent or a mortgage for shelter, money for food when we’re hungry or the doctor when we’re sick; these things need to be paid for. Money IS what meets those needs. And money gives us a small amount of comfort to indulge in those things that we want, not just need, should we have a bit extra. Spending money in this sense is self-preservation, so not a bad thing and certainly not evil.

And second, what about all the charitable things we can do with the money? When non-profit organizations do their thing, how do you think those actions get funded? With MONEY! Oh and what about natural disasters, how do tragedies get solved? With MONEY! And lots of it. All the people who donate to disaster relief or charities for a wide variety of causes, not evil.

So money isn’t inherently bad, and neither are the people who spend money with good intentions. Why money does get a bad reputation though is when “Money makes the world go round.”  in ways that only benefit a few and helps them to achieve a good life on the backs of others. Couldn’t resist another cliché to make my point. And that point being, if the intention of getting or spending money is to the detriment of others, that’s evil.

Corruption and greed fuel their intention, money just allows it to blossom because people make the decision to give in to these behaviors. Somehow their needs are more important than the well-being of others. It’s sickening, and it’s uncivilized.

Let’s take a look some of the examples*:

• Prosperity Preachers
• Heads of Corporations
• Heads of Non-profits
• Crooked Government officials
• Psychics/Mediums
• Scam/Con Artists
• Drug Cartels

*Not all people listed in this set are what I would refer to as evil, but a predominant number fit the bill. Also, people who have bad intentions are everywhere, and in every walk of life, this is but a short list of obvious suspects. 

I’ve lived a life that included poverty at the beginning, gave me struggles to overcome in the middle and now gives me comfort in my current lifestyle, but at each step, I’ve never desired to hurt others in achieving a better life. Nor do I require such a luxurious life which would seclude me from the majority of the population. All I need is my health to enjoy a bit of ease, have some fun and spend my precious time with my family and friends as I venture into my twilight years. I do want to take care of myself but I would never choose to hurt others to accomplish that.

Money and bad intentions – that is crossing the line of decency. And that’s what is evil.

 

Inspired to write this for Reena – Exploration Challenge Week 59