Money is often referred to as the root of all evil, in todays society the perception of the phrases meaning has slightly changed. The phrase "money is the root of all evil" comes from the Bible, specifically from 1 Timothy 6:10, which reads, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." This term has been recently adopted via musicians and celebrities who came into new money. Often referring to money as the cause of life’s problems . this phrase adopted by new wave celebrities has skewed the meaning from its original definition. This being the love and greed for money causing problems in society and the world.
Why money is not inherently bad
Firstly, Money is not inherently bad it can if used correctly be used for good. Money as a medium of exchange allows for the exchange of goods and services enabling people to meet their basic needs, pursue their passions and dreams, and support future generations. Money in moderation and given equitably would completely benefit everyone. Thus negating this idea that money is evil. Currency is quintessential for a society to run smoothly. Money works on belief system as we have to believe each piece of paper represents a value of worth. Thus if we would believe it only has negative effects in society then why would we use it. It is clear if used correctly then money can be very beneficial to society.
How greed is the root of all evil
However, the love or obsession with money can lead to greed and selfishness, which in turn can lead to all types of negative externalities. the rise of capitalism and consumerism has seen companies exploit resources and employees in various developing countries. Exploiting week employee laws as well as week infrastructure to become more profitable. In the pursuit of money companies cause negative externalities which negatively effect communities as well as the environments. the pursuit of wealth may have a negative effects on the world as a whole. For example, companies may prioritize profits over environmental protection, leading to environmental degradation and harm to wildlife. The rich may also hoard wealth, leading to economic inequality and a concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals, which can result in political corruption and the suppression of basic human rights.
This is just one example of how the pursuit of money may negatively effect a third party, with the list of possible negative outcomes being endless. I feel this is where this new idea of money itself being the problem formed. The extent to which greed has effected the world the common factor involved is money thus its easy to blame money rather than the greed behind it. I feel the complexity of the issue causes us to want to have a simple target to blame thus creating the illusion that money is cause of all wrong in the world. However, we know it’s the varying degrees of greed, selfishness and exploitation behind the money.
How I feel
I feel money can be evil sometimes however in terms of losing time. with material possessions and wealth, causing people to lose sight of what is truly important in life. People may become so focused on accumulating money and possessions that they forget to cultivate relationships, pursue personal growth, and contribute to local society and be beneficial in society. The loss of real world connection I feel is the only way money can be considered evil. An obsession to make money may rob you of the importance of being human existing amongst a community.
In conclusion, while money is not inherently evil, the love of money can be a root of evil. It is important to recognize the role that money can play in our lives, and to use it wisely and ethically, focusing on what is truly important and avoiding the trap of greed and materialism. Avoiding such consumerism seems to be an impossible however. With the absurd amount of money spent on marketing and advertising designed to keep consumers consuming. This in turn funds the greedy corporations that exploit human rights and the environment across the world. I feel money may not be the root of all evil but rather greed. This creates a cyclical structure as it takes back away from the new skewed ideology of the biblical quote. But rather takes us back to the meaning written in the bible. It is not money that is the root of all evil its people and how they persue money.