How Much Money Is Too Much?

Readers share their views on money and its importance

Last week’s Open Mind evoked a variety of enthusiastic responses amongst our readers.

Dr. Shekhar Misra, Professor - International Marketing, University of California, USA :
This is a very good piece that puts “money” in perspective. Much too often, it is considered (almost) a “dirty word”, even though it is simply a means of exchange, as your piece elucidates. It is not something to be worshipped, but neither should it be despised. Whatever be our goals in life - enlightenment, helping others, bringing happiness to others or to self - money is a needed facilitator much of the time, but not all the time. No more, no less.

Some years from now, people will have a much more positive image of Bill Gates as they learn about the results of the work that his Foundation is doing in the eradication of diseases. It takes a very long time to impact such widespread diseases and their ravages. Gates couldn’t have undertaken such massive efforts to alleviate the lot of humanity without all the money he earned. (NOTE: I used to be a critic of Gates, and it is only in the last year or two that I have developed a more favorable impression. 

For a brief introduction to what I am referring to, look at http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/globalhealth/151538_global08.html

Vinod Jain : 
Money is the barometer of success. We normally hear people say that these days money has no value.  The fact is that money has remained the same but the prices of commodities has gone up. When I shifted to Mumbai in 1981, milk was Rs 4 a litre and now it is Rs 28 a litre. But I still drink only 200 ml daily.

Money cannot be destroyed or created. It only changes hands - from one person to other, from one generation to others, from one country to other.

Harprit Kour : 
Money may not be everything in this world but it can buy you many things which can give you happiness, pleasure and satisfaction. A person is not rich by how much he earns but how much he can save. How you use money is very important. If used wisely, one can become a rich person with not just money but also good ethics and behavioral patterns as well.

Pradeep Maheshwari, Delhi
Money is only a means of exchange which gives independence. How we use it depends on how our character has been shaped by our upbringing and education.

Chandru Badrinarayanan : 
I have experienced a roller-coaster in terms of monetary comfort. You do not get more pleasure by spending more money. You should never raise your lifestyle to such an extent that you will not be able to sustain it, when disaster strikes. Always raise your lifestyle at a slower pace than your earnings.

Shailesh Agrawal, Delhi : 
It isn’t merely a matter of how much you have, but of how well you use what you have. When you have more than enough, you start thinking about having more money. Ultimately, one is as wealthy or poor as he thinks himself to be.

Ramesh Rawal, Delhi : 
Earning money through legal and desirable ways is as important as spending it for the benefit of society. One should also have a non-monetary goal - feel happy for others.

Vinod Dhall, Dar-es-Salaam : 
Money is the foundation on which a human being can build a happy and useful life for himself, his family, biradari, and society (the order is deliberate). The Bhagwad Gita says that “Nirdhanta sab say barra paap hai”. (Impoverishment is the biggest sin).

Vicktor : 
All notions and quotes on money are rubbish. Forget about “smelling the roses”. After college, the only aim in life should be to earn more and more money. Everything else follows. While there should be a balance, you should first have the money, and forget all gyaan. The moment you smell one rose, there are plenty others in waiting. The rose named ‘complacency’ tends to sink into your blood and all your motivation to work hard is gone. The pleasure of the green buck is more than a ten thousand roses put together. You can see your child go to an international school. You can help the needy. You can forgive and let go. So one must work hard and get the money home. Nothing else matters. That is what you are here for. Not to start another religion.

So there you are. Money means different to each one of us. Take your pick.

.
Thought for the Week

“Money frees you from doing things you dislike.
Since I dislike doing nearly everything,
money is handy.”
Groucho Marx (1890 - 1977)
American Comedian
.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

First published in Gray Matter - The Hindustan Times