The Other Invisible Hand

As I have begun to read The Genius of Money by John Bloom I have discovered new ways to look at how money, and any type of currency, effects individuals, social groups, and businesses - big or small. As a result of money existing as the official currency for any type of social, economic, or political transactions, relationships are formed solely based on how much or how little money you have according to a specific chapter in Bloom's book "Money and Its Subtle Influence on Social Life".

What Bloom discusses in this particular chapter definitely has some truth to it, even though admitting so seems morally corrupt. Bloom states that, "when money or financial issues are at play in the context of decision making, even the most socially conscious, warm-hearted people tend to act in an anti-social manner" (Bloom 15). Furthermore, money changes the way people are motivated for the better and is used as an incentivizer to work harder, while money changes people's behavior towards others for the worse.

People who have money will retreat and isolate themselves, while losing their altruistic values and beliefs that expresses concern and compassion for those without and for other individuals. While this statement may seem pretentious and no one wants to admit this is the case, people do organize and segregate based around money. Bloom goes as far to suggest that while money is always going to be a part of life and a dictating force in decision making processes, we need to understand the injustice and chaos that has emerged from participating in such an egotistically centered economy.

However, the solution or suggestion Bloom presents seems misguiding. How are we supposed to remove money and its influence out of our daily decisions and routine when it is such an essential part of our social and economic life? It's hard to say, really. Bloom wants individuals to become "conscious of the unconscious" meaning become aware of the decisions we are making based on money. BUT if we are unconsciously deciding these things and using money so frequently and so dependently how does Bloom expect every individual to integrate financial practices with our deepest values and beliefs when WE ARE NOT EVEN AWARE THAT WE ARE DOING IT IN THE FIRST PLACE.

Bloom is too idealistic and hopeful about this particular concept, in my opinion. Hopefully, as I continue to read (because I only made it about half way through the first part) Bloom will propose some more realistical solutions.