Would an Advanced Civilization Survive Without Money?
Assuming that an advanced civilization could revert to a barter system, it's a fascinating yet hypothetical scenario. If such a civilization could be rendered believable in a science fiction setting, it might open up a realm of interesting theoretical discussions.
Money as a Mechanism for Trade
Money is merely a mutual agreement for the exchange of goods and services. It's not the paper or metal itself that holds value, but the belief in its value. The worth of money lies in what it allows us to obtain and do. Historically, various objects have served as currency, such as buckskins (tanned deer hides) and more recently, gold and silver coins. All that matters is the agreement that these objects have value in trade.
Even with money, sometimes there is negotiation involved, such as when buying a car or negotiating the price of a house. The essence of trade is still the exchange of value, whether measured in money or directly in goods and services.
Barter Systems and Advanced Civilizations
Examining past civilizations, we find that the earliest known human societies, such as the Sumerians, developed advanced methods of trade and economy, including some form of currency. However, other civilizations managed to thrive with barter systems. For example, the Indus Valley Civilization is noted for its complex urban infrastructure and sophisticated trade practices.
The Indus Valley Civilization, known for its "Urban planning, baked brick houses, elaborate drainage systems, water supply systems, clusters of large non-residential buildings, and techniques of handicraft and metallurgy, lived predominantly through a barter system. Even with no monetary system, they managed to develop these advanced technologies and living standards. This points to the idea that monetary systems, while beneficial, are not indispensable for progress.
The Modern Context
Today, the absence of money is nearly inconceivable. The global economy is deeply intertwined with monetary systems. Even in the most remote parts of the world, transactions are facilitated by some form of currency or trade arrangements.
While in the past, money was not absolutely essential for civilizational progress, today's world relies heavily on monetary systems. They provide a standardized medium of exchange, enabling complex economic interactions and facilitating large-scale commerce.
In conclusion, while past civilizations managed to thrive without money, the modern world's progress and interconnectivity are deeply dependent on these systems. In a hypothetical scenario, an advanced civilization could indeed function without money, but only if it had developed other robust systems and infrastructures to support its economy.