What is the point of money and education?

Question

If you had a pretty much knew where your food source was and where you will dwell...or be nomadic... would there be any point in money? Why does money mean more outside of providing us a home and food? Education, unless you love learning, is the source of gaining more money.

you could build a home.... you can gather food.... i am just saying.... you don't need money

Answer 1

You make a good point. The only reason money has any value is the context in which we live. It has no value on its own - the material and ink used for a $5 is no more valuable than that used for a $100.

If our economy was subsistence-based - if we possessed and utilized all required survival skills, like the ability to grow, hunt, prepare, store and preserve our own food and build our own shelter, money would have no value at all. Nor would money have any value if we strictly bartered goods and services. Because of what it can buy and the status it implies, money now seems to have value of its own... I'd go out on a limb, though, and say that money is only considered to have "intrinsic" value by a certain group with whom I'd not particularly care to associate.

All that aside, education may have value in itself... not necessarily the way most of us are educated in this country (the U.S.), but a life of exploration, reflection, and discovery can be seen, in my opinion, as much more valuable, purposeful, meaningful (and meaning-filled) and, thus, richer, than a life of accumulation of material wealth.

I'm a little sad, actually, that you'd suggest that the only purpose of education is to get more money. Perhaps this attitude, which many share with you, is an outgrowth of our materialism, and contributes to the majority's distaste for the study of philosophy (that, and circular argumentation). I tend to try to stay away from the dead white men when studying philosophy, but I think they deserve a tip of the hat here - the advantages of philosophical inquiry and the unsurpassed beauty and richness of the philosophic life are addressed quite frequently by Sokrates and Plato. It may not matter in the grand scheme, but I tend to believe that a life well-lived is a life of deep, broad thinking and enthusiastic learning.

Answer 2

In the Ancient times, the poor were allowed to go into a rich mans field and take only what they needed, considering that they (The rich) had enough to go around. And you could even give something that had same value. (Flocks, maybe land, etc.) Money is complicated. When you have so much, greed does come into play. But that's when a person should know that they have enough to survive, and give back to those who are hurting. Now a reward may be a "Thank-you." But that is an honest and whole hearted word he/she said. And check this out: My POV. If a rich man put me on the mountain and fell him/herself, I would do whatever it takes to put him/her right back on it, because if it wasn't for that person, I WOULDN'T be on the mountain. And that is my way of saying "I am your friend until you die." And Education is a good thing. But we must not leave out things.
=)

Answer 3

you can't live without money and if you want to be skilled and make good money then you have to get educated, otherwise you'll be just a common laborer and probley have to work all the rest of your life. Someone with the right education can make good money and retire early.

Answer 4

And when the government taxes your home you have no money to pay so they fine you, which you can't pay. Then they take your home because you can't pay. Lastly they give you a new home in jail...with food......I guess your right you don't need money.

Answer 5

I think this is more of an existential economics question than straight philosophy.

And what fool wouldn't love learning? (The answer's in the question, philosopher.)

Answer 6

The same point or use for law. The Will is positive, the Judgment is negative.

Answer 7

Being able to live your life more comfortably. Also, being able to help others have a better life.

Answer 8

Well, Derek...the POINT is...without it.....YOU`RE HOMELESS!!