Money

Money is undoubtedly the backbone of our existential life. Without money man becomes valueless, neglected, ignored in social life. Money is required to fulfil all basic human needs of food, clothing and shelter. Lot of money is required in the treatment of modern illnesses. Lakhs of rupees are required for construction of our house, education of our children, and marriage of our daughters. Money is required as a security, solace in our old-age; that is an assured support when our limbs and body gradually become incapable to work and earn money. Man’s worth is known by his money. Man is duly respected when he has money and wealth. Wealth is nothing but transformation of our labour in money, which can be saved for the future exigencies. However, sometimes wealth is mainly inherited from ancestors and one’s own contribution to it may not be to substantial extent. Whatever it may be, man should have sufficient money in his life. ‘Arth’ is one of the ‘Purusharthas’. Man should work hard in life and earn as much money as possible and make his life comfortable.

But, today man is running behind money like a mad person. He wants to have a car, not because he needs one, but because his neighbour has one, his colleague has one. Man is earning money to have money power, to dominate others. He knows money can cover his mis-deeds. He thinks that if he has wealth, he can do anything, even any crime like rape, murder with impunity; he hopes he will bribe and purchase witnesses, police officers, judges with his money. As a general rule, a person with lot of money tends to be arrogant and a potential threat to others. A person who has amassed huge money has disregard for others, does not care for the others. He has superiority complex. Black money is abounding with politicians, industrialists, actors and actresses. But can we assume that these rich persons are happy in their life. Not necessarily. I think happiness really does not depend upon the wealth; it depends upon the attitude of mind. Money brings with itself its own unique problems: fear to be raided by income-tax officers, fear to be robbed, fear of being killed by the underworld dons if their illegal demands, in crores of rupees, are not met. A man with huge wealth has to do excessive work to maintain that wealth. Wealthy man cannot get good sleep; and consequently loses his health. He also loses his peace of mind. He dies prematurely.

We should avoid, in our life, avarice, excessive greed for money. We should have some satisfaction, contentment with whatever we have. I have seen many poor persons happy, and many rich persons distressed. I would like to quote following few lines in this connection the source of which is unknown to me:

With money you can buy a beautiful house, but not ‘home’.
With money you can buy a clock, but not time.
With money you can buy an expensive bed, but not sleep.
With money you can buy a book, but not knowledge.
With money you can buy delicious food, but not appetite
With money you can see a doctor, but not good health.
With money you can buy a position, but not respect.
With money you can buy blood, but not life.
With money you can buy sex, but not love.