If money is the root of all evil

[hootinholler]

Why can't we make it the root of all good?

Lately, I have the notion that we have been going about things all wrong for a very long time. Yeah, I know, go figure. Bear with me for a minute, I'm going to attempt to think big and communicate at the same time, so it may take a bit to get to the point.

Seems to me that the major problem isn't wealth per se`it's more that the currency the wealth expresses is based on exploitation. The old Nationalize risk and privatize profit sort of applies here. It's even in the language of the Industrial Era that resources were exploited. The exploitation of humans has long been the staple of the rich getting richer, I suspect probably since the dawn of the human race.

What if we could create a different currency? One where units of exchange are created by helping humanity survive? If BitCoin can be created why can't we create such a thing?

One where corporations can make money by waging peace, or cleaning up superfund sites rather than by building drones, or coatings tat scrub chemicals from the atmosphere.

If we could turn greed loose on a currency that reflects a contribution to humanity, which includes maintenance of the biosphere, humanity might just survive in the long term.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

[ManiacJoe]

1. Actually it is "The love of money is the root of all evil".

Not bad otherwise. Many folks do this by being picky about the stocks they trade in.

[scarletwoman]

2. First of all, it's the "LOVE of money that's the root of all evil."

The thing is, wealth = power. And human nature being what it is, I don't see a way of eliminating the love of power from society.

Think about any encounter you've had with any kind of bureacrat. Someone who is acting as a gatekeeper of information/resources you need. Generally, more often that not, this person absolutely delights in making you wait and suffer, in your role as supplicant. They are in love with with whatever bit of petty power they are able to exercise.

Changing currency isn't going to change the love of having power over others. That's a totally whole 'nother thing.

[hootinholler]

3. I think it could start to change that

I'm not saying this will or would happen overnight. But what about 100 or 200 years from now? If we can get this going, let them seek power. If the use of that power doesn't benefit humanity, then they will be bankrupt and thus won't have power. Wouldn't it at least act as a brake on exploitative wealth?

It could start as an exchange that the current proceeds are used for big advances.