CHASING MONEY

PEOPLE OR POSSESSIONS

What motivates you the most - love or money? Many people say love, but in practice chase money endlessly. They work all hours, neglecting relationships, to earn money to buy more and more things they don't really need. They are brainwashed by society into buying these things. The media, particularly advertising, breeds discontent. A new product hits the market and often becomes a craze. Thanks to advertising, completely devoid of conscience, most people are convinced they must have one. We managed ok before mobile phones, CDs and microwaves. In the meantime, many children are left to be parented by the TV or a stand-in mother; or don't see one or both of their parents except for weekends because they work late; neglected housewives might have affairs...

Relationships need time and attention to flourish. But most people follow the flock, safety in numbers, never questioning if they are doing the right thing, surrendering without a fight, to the overpowering need to belong. Have they not yet discovered that the best things in life are free: a hug, a kiss, a smile, a laugh, a kind word, a pat on the back...love, love, love...

LUIGI DIVA

(First published in The Pigtown Horn - January 2003)




Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6:6-10




Who so craves wealth is like a man who drinks seawater, the more he drinks the more he increases his thirst. And he ceases not to drink until he perishes.

Old muslim quotation