Re: Capitalism And The Love Of Money

Capitalism is an economic and political ideology that places emphasis on the role of few individuals as being unique in bringing about the desired change in an economy. It is a position that rest ownership of means of survival in the hands of few individuals with an ultimate believe that the individuals will bring about the desired change and betterment.

Some of the renowned proponents of capitalism were Lionel Robinson, Adam Smith and David Recardo. These scholars wrote extensively on why the tenets of capitalism must reign supreme.

They even buttressed the importance of money and explained how man will act in a situation where he is conditioned to making choices. To these men, Man was 'Homo Economicus' that is, man is driven by material gains and money. And is constantly pursuing these desires.

At another level, they described man as an individual who is willing to take risks by pulling and controlling other resources at his disposal. They called him 'Capitalist'

A capitalist is therefore an Entrepreneur who takes all the risk to create wealth and better the life of the people around him. A capitalist will employ labor to help him create wealth as he sit in charge of control and administration.

Capitalism thrives in western societies and has being exported to other countries of the world. Capitalists are found everywhere with their trademarks and achievements imprinted.

So also, Capitalism was given a boost at the instance of Democracy. As beautiful as capitalism had been painted, it had suffered great criticisms, especially from classical and contemporary scholars of repute.

For instance, Karl Marx criticized capitalism in a great way. Karl Marx(1818- 1888) was a German historian cum sociologist who wrote extensively to expand the scope of the fields. From class struggle, alienation, Religion and so on. He was a superb scholar.

The one of his works in sociology that got my attention was on 'Reification'

In explaining Reification, Karl Marx posited that man through his own doing brought to life a creature (for instance, a hand set) and that creature now transcends him or come to possess qualities that make that creature greater than him (Man, the creator).

Another example he cited in his work on 'Capitalism' was MONEY. To Marx, Man through long exchange and business relations created money. And consequently, the money created now becomes superior to him (man). This, he said was evident in our every day lives. To him, what explanation would be given to a situation where a man works all day to make money and forgetting to live his life. What a life!

Money now seem to control all of us whether consciously or unconsciously! The worth of a man is now measured by the volume of piles of money he has! The social fabric (family) of the society is gradually being destroyed owing to love of money. The political class and the elites are disintegrating into self seeking individuals with the purpose of existence been understood in the context of money.

Life is now getting reduced to a mere economic transaction that should not involve love, trust, empathy and feelings. Choice of spouse is now influenced by material possession and the quality of social interaction is now based on money and materials at one's disposal.

Money makes only the rich or whoever possesses it to have the best type of friends and accomplices. What a life!

Now, We, live entirely for money forgetting that it is only a fraction of it we need to live.

Now, the love of money pit nations against one another and impedes on their peaceful coexistence.

Money now presents itself as the official legal tender for trust, love, empathy and feelings. What a life!

Olubankole Olatunji is a writer and a social commentator. He is a graduate of sociology of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University. Enquiries and comments be forwarded to him on [email protected] or on 08035593418