Is money the root of all evil, or does money bring happiness?

Question

Interesting answers so far. So, Deathgrip, if you won millions on the lottey, would you have to give that away, or else you would be evil?

*lottery, sorry typo

Does this mean, therefore, that a communist society, rather than capitalist is preferable?

Answer 1

You can not answer this question if you do not understand what is money. In a world of scarcity, we are faced with the task of allocating resources between competing wants and needs. As human beings, we may try to provide for ourselves independently with no cooperation. Most people would live short, sad lives this way.

Fortunately, we have as a race become very successful (all the wars and conflicts notwithstanding) at cooperating. People are able to specialize in producing food or clothing allowing others to specialize on housing, entertainment, medical care and so forth. To facilitate this cooperation, money is indispensable.

People who hate money simply don't grasp its important function. They point out (truly) that money can not buy self esteem, love or happiness. It is true that these goods are not transferable for money or any other material good. If an individual has not acquired these, it is because they have not successfully exerted the individual effort required to achieve them. To curse money for their failure is ignorant.

It is true that people covet the possessions of others. To achieve their goals, some do not cooperate. They cheat, steal and kill. What is the difference if I dishonorably get money from you in order to buy a car or if I directly obtain the car? Money did not cause this greed in my heart. Without money, we would be battling for food, not for a car. I can promise you that!

Money is NOT the root of all evil. Neither is the love of money not the root of all evil. While money can not in itself bring happiness, the person who can earn it honestly and nobly usually can claim to be happy.

The essay linked below is part of a longer novel and has influenced countless people on the subject. I hope that you will read it.

http://www.capmag.com/article.asp?ID=1826

Answer 2

Like a previous answerer, i think greed should be ranked higher than money, but money acts as a personification of wealth (if you want to know how wealthy someone is you ask how much money they have or are worth) it therefore acts as the personification of, for most, the unobtainable, i.e. affluence, respect, power, freedom etc. All of the things that many aspire to and will do many evil acts in order to obtain.

i do not believe that money buys you happiness, i do believe, however, that money can allow you the ability to relax within your own existence, as your own survival, according to the first three steps of Maslow's theory of hierarchy (food, shelter and security) is pretty much affirmed.

to your additional question, Communism is an idealistic form of governance, but i feel that it places to much reliance upon the integrity of politicians, who generally have no integrity. communism does not mean poverty, it means that all actions are performed for the benefit of the society at large, almost like comparing it to a living entity, the populace form the organs, the populace is therefore completely equal under the idea that if one organ fails the entity dies.

Answer 3

The Evil comes in What you do with it! Do you spend a great deal of Money on Liquour, Beer, Prostitutes, Blackmale, Gambling in Casinos, Do you Use Money for Political Gain and Buy Favors off Of Others, Etc.
There is Too Numerous things to Mention, Money can be used WISELY and for your own household, not to further habits and addictions of others.

The Love of Money IS the Root of all Evil, When you stop at nothing or don't care who you hurt or traumatize to obtain it!!!!!!

Answer 4

Money may seem to be the root of all evil but i would say that it is actually greed. It is when anyone gets greedy that all systems break down and become disfunctional. If it were not for greed, would the world have dictatorships, monarchies, or corrupt politicians? Probably not. If we all would just put the greater good before our own best interests, then maybe it would work.

Answer 5

Actually, the verse reads, "For the LOVE of money, is the root of all evil" 1 Tim 6:16. Money is merely a tool-Happiness is a choice.

"I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation , whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or living in want. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."Phil 4:12,13

Answer 6

Money is not the root of all evil. It depends on the person who has money whether he will use it to help the poors and orphans all around him or he uses it in bribery,drinking and causing harm to other people. Money can not buy happiness; it can just bring satisfaction to your mind. Happiness is bought by improving moral values.

Answer 7

I think that having too much money is the root of all evil. Having enough to get by with a little extra for frivolity brings happiness.

The question, then is where is the difference between the two.

Answer 8

I believe people are the root of human evil, and people can bring themselves happiness as well.
Money is like other material things, it's mostly how we use it that affects how it makes us feel.

Answer 9

Money grants us material prosperity, but material prosperity does not by necessity impart happiness (happiness understood as either a sense of purpose or emotional satisfaction.) Evil is rooted in the privation of the good, and as such, material wealth might serve to subvert goodness. But in itself, money is not evil, as no material reality is by necessity evil.

Answer 10

this is neither, this is purely money. the affection of money is what's reported to be the basis of all evil interior the Bible. whilst countless the Bible i do no longer think in i stumble on that to be a smart fact. .