Money as a Facilitator of Human Desire

In discussions about human desire, it’s often suggested that money is the primary driver. However, money itself is not the root of our desires; rather, it’s the goods, services, and experiences that money enables us to acquire. This article delves into the role of money as a facilitator of human desire, exploring its importance in achieving cooperation and the complex interplay between power and human attachment.

Money as a Medium of Exchange for Cooperation

While it’s commonly believed that money is the driving force behind desire, it’s more accurate to say that it’s what money can provide. Money functions as a medium of exchange, allowing one person to offer something in return for the cooperation of another person. This method of exchange facilitates sustainable cooperation among large numbers of people, enabling us to achieve significant collective goals.

There are alternative methods of securing cooperation, such as brute force intimidation and military power. However, the risk of mutiny and rebellion makes these approaches unsustainable over the long term. Economic power, on the other hand, is a powerful tool when used wisely. It allows for the fulfillment of individual needs and fosters a peaceful, sustainable coexistence.

Mankind's Dominance and the Power of Cooperation

Mankind has long been the dominant species on this planet due to our ability to cooperate and work together. This cooperative spirit is crucial for our survival and advancement. Without it, we would likely be lower on the food chain, as we would not be able to achieve the level of resource distribution and protection necessary for our survival.

Money as a Tool for Life's Comforts

Humans generally desire things, from goods and services to experiences. The vast majority of these can be obtained with money. Thus, it’s clear that most individuals are attracted to money as a means to achieve a good life and material comforts. It is not the money itself, but the power and security it provides, that attracts people.

It's worth noting that, while money can facilitate a good life, it can also lead to problems when it becomes an obsessive craving. The desire for material goods can develop into an unhealthy attachment, as seen in the rich who develop a “sickness” for pursuing more. This is a stark reminder that while money can help us achieve our desires, it is our own attachment to it that can be problematic.

The Illusion of Fulfillment

Much like the parables from Court Marriage and Court Servitude, which depict the power of desire to bind and control, money can similarly create a false sense of fulfillment that strips us of our freedom. It’s the human attachment to money and material goods that creates a need for more, leading to a never-ending cycle of desire.

As Leela Devi Rajan’s parable suggests, the pursuit of money and possessions can rob us of our autonomy. Priests initially inhaled the divine spirit due to their celibacy and irreligious habits, which freed them from the attachment to wealth and status. However, once they encountered the demands of worldly power and materialism, they became slaves to these constraints, losing their freedom to act as they pleased.

In conclusion, money is indeed a powerful instrument, but it is the human attachment to it and the pursuit of wealth that often leads to problems, not the money itself. Understanding this distinction is crucial as we navigate the complex interplay between economic power, human cooperation, and personal fulfillment.

References

COURT MARRIAGE AND COURT SERVITUDE ~ Tales, Parables of Sri Ramakrishna.