Why does money have so much power? - HR Future (2024)

As the extent of the theft of public money becomes clearer, more and more people are being exposed for what they are prepared to do, or not do, for money.

Why does money have so much power? - HR Future (1)

As the extent of the theft of public money becomes clearer, more and more people are being exposed for what they are prepared to do, or not do, for money.

Why does money have such a grip on some human beings?

Since the concept of exchange of value via a form of currency was invented, money has occupied a very powerful spot in the hearts, minds and lives of human beings. Some have lived and died never having had much of it, some have literally given their lives in the legal or illegal pursuit of it, while others have lived and died with more than they could ever have spent in their lifetime and have still felt they never had enough.

The reason that money holds such a power over people is that it provides them with power – to do what they want to do, whatever that may be.

Some people feel money gives them a sense of personal worth. They feel if they don’t have much money, they are not worth much as a person and if they have a lot of it, they are indeed of great worth as a person.

That’s why many people associate the accumulation of wealth with the accumulation of power – the more money you have, the more powerful you are. And when people have a low sense of their personal power, they have an overwhelming urge to amass large sums of money quite out of proportion to their needs. No matter how much they acquire, it’s never enough. This approach also aligns with greed. A greedy person never has enough, no matter how much he or she gets.

The term “corruption” has sadly become a regular in our daily news reports. Briefly, it refers to the fact that someone has agreed to commit some or other illegal or unethical act in the interests of securing a financial benefit or reward.

It seems to imply that the person was once of good character and has subsequently been “corrupted”, experiencing a failure of character as a result of the possibility of receiving a large sum of money.

My view is that money doesn’t corrupt people. There are many honest and responsible people who have vast sums of money. There are also many honest, ethical people who have no money to speak of. Neither of these two groups is “corrupt”.

That’s because money doesn’t corrupt people. It merely reveals their character. Honest, ethical people will acquire money through honest and ethical means, and they will do honest and ethical things with that money. Dishonest, unethical people will, when given the opportunity, attempt to acquire money in dishonest or unethical ways and will use it for dishonest purposes.

The big question you and I have to ask ourselves is: What does money reveal about you and me? Does it show us up to be honest, ethical people, or does it show us up to be like the many who have sold their souls for many handfuls of cash?

Only you know what money reveals about you. I urge you to take a stand against corruption and expose it wherever you find it raising its ugly head.

Alan Hosking is the publisher of HR Future magazine, @HRFuturemag, and assists executives to prevent, reverse and delay ageing, and achieve self-mastery.

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FAQs

Why does money have so much power? - HR Future? ›

The reason that money holds such a power over people is that it provides them with power – to do what they want to do, whatever that may be. Some people feel money gives them a sense of personal worth.

Why is money the most powerful? ›

Money provides the service of reducing transaction cost, namely the double coincidence of wants. Money originates in the form of a commodity, having a physical property to be adopted by market participants as a medium of exchange.

Why does money hold so much power? ›

The impact of money on the economy is inescapable. It serves as the fuel that powers the market, enabling consumers and corporations to acquire goods and services, drive investments, and create job opportunities. The accessibility of money and credit also determine the pace of economic growth and Stability.

Why does money make you feel powerful? ›

According to psychology, having money can make one feel like they have achieved something valuable and, as a result, have influence over others.

Why do you think money is power? ›

Money gives you the power to pursue your dreams.

Having money makes it possible for you to start a business, build a dream home, pay the costs associated with having a family, or accomplish other goals you believe will help you live a better life.

Why is money so important in life? ›

Money provides a safety net, shielding us from the uncertainties of life. It allows us to cover our basic needs—food, shelter, and healthcare—and grants us peace of mind. Knowing that we have the resources to weather unexpected expenses or emergencies contributes significantly to our overall well-being.

What is the weakest currency in the world? ›

What Is the Weakest Currency in the World? The weakest currency in the world is the Iranian rial (IRR). The USD to IRR operational rate of exchange is 371,992, meaning that one U.S. dollar equals 371,922 Iranian rials.

Is money the ultimate form of power? ›

Power or money? Which is dominant? Power! of course but ironically money also gives you power, though it's not the only thing that can make you powerful there are others as well but it is up to you how you use or rather invest your money because it has enormous powers to give.

Who has power over money? ›

The Constitution gives Congress the power over the currency of the United States including the power to coin money and regulate its value. Congress also has the power to charter banks to circulate money. The converse power of the creation of currency is to regulate any and all counterfeit currency.

Is money power or knowledge? ›

While money can provide temporary comfort and luxury, knowledge is the key to lasting success, fulfillment, and impact. Let us not undervalue the power of knowledge and recognize that it is the catalyst for growth, both personally and globally.

Are richer people happier? ›

“In the simplest terms, this suggests that for most people larger incomes are associated with greater happiness,” says Killingsworth, a senior fellow at Penn's Wharton School and lead paper author. “The exception is people who are financially well-off but unhappy.

How does money control your mind? ›

These are some common ways money can affect your mental health: Certain situations might trigger feelings of anxiety and panic, like opening envelopes or attending a benefits assessment. Worrying about money can lead to sleep problems. You might not be able to afford the things you need to stay well.

Is money a form of power? ›

Money is a specialized form of social power. It has all the characteristics of other social powers. In addition, it has characteristics that other forms of social powers do not have. Each social power operates has different levels.

What are the five advantages of money? ›

The role of cash
  • It ensures your freedom and autonomy. Banknotes and coins are the only form of money that people can keep without involving a third party. ...
  • It's legal tender. ...
  • It ensures your privacy. ...
  • It's inclusive. ...
  • It helps you keep track of your expenses. ...
  • It's fast. ...
  • It's secure. ...
  • It's a store of value.

Why can't money buy you happiness? ›

Having more money might bring pleasure, but it does not bring intrinsic happiness that's sticky to the soul. Personal growth, meaningful relationships, and states of our physical and mental health contribute to the intrinsic happiness that grounds us regardless of the unknowns that swirl around us.

Why is money better than knowledge? ›

Money can provide financial security and allow people to live comfortably and achieve their goals. Money can provide access to resources and opportunities that may not be available to those who lack financial means. Money can provide freedom and flexibility in terms of career choices, travel, and lifestyle.

Is money the most powerful weapon in the world? ›

As a weapon, money serves not the collective will but individual interests, often exacerbating social ills, degrading the environment, and reducing a society's quality of life.

What is the most powerful money in the world? ›

1. Kuwaiti dinar. Known as the strongest currency in the world, the Kuwaiti dinar or KWD was introduced in 1960 and was initially equivalent to one pound sterling. Kuwait is a small country that is nestled between Iraq and Saudi Arabia whose wealth has been driven largely by its large global exports of oil.

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