The Future of Money: From Liability to Altruism
What will be the next form of money in a society that prizes service and humility over achievement and grandeur? This article explores the possibility of a future where money is no longer seen as an asset but rather as a liability. Drawing upon mechanisms proposed in Ply It Forward and insights from the Kabbalistic perspective, we delve into how money could evolve as a means of altruistic relations.
From Egoistic Efforts to Altruistic Relations
Today, money serves as a mediator in our relationships, allowing us to exchange value and security. In many societies, goods and services are exchanged for money, which represents a reward and a form of personal aggrandizement. However, the portrayal of money in society itself may evolve.
In an alternative future, where service and humility are valued over achievement and grandeur, the concept of money would shift. Instead of exchanging money for goods and services, the money could represent a duty to contribute in kind to others. This duty could be passed on, akin to a "payment forward," encouraging a cycle of giving and receiving.
Existence in the Spiritual World of Bestowal
The shift from egoistic relationships to altruistic ones would not require drastic changes to our current systems. It would simply require a change in our attitude and a willingness to discuss and upgrade the quality of our relationships. However, this shift is significant because it introduces an additional quality of bestowal, fundamentally changing our experiences.
According to the Kabbalistic perspective, in this higher level of existence, we would feel eternity and perfection. This is a major shift in how we perceive ourselves and our relationships with others. The soul, or bestowal, elevates us to a spiritual realm, where we no longer focus on personal gain but on the well-being of others.
Technological Evolution of Money
Technological advancements could facilitate this shift by creating payment systems that encourage giving and receiving in kind. Instead of monetary transactions, these systems could incentivize and recognize acts of service and kindness. Imagine a digital platform where the act of giving can be quantified and rewarded, thus promoting a culture of altruism.
Examples and Analysis
The novel Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a compelling example of this idea. In the story, instead of seeking personal gain, people are motivated to repay kindness by passing it on to others. This concept can be applied in other forms, such as corporate social responsibility programs where businesses incentivize their employees to act with kindness and generosity.
Pay It Forward poses the question: what if our society valued service and kindness over success? How would our systems of payment and wealth distribution change?
Conclusion
The future of money is not just about technological advancements but about a shift in our attitudes and values. As we move towards a society that values humility and service over ego and grandeur, the concept of money could evolve to serve as a connector of altruistic relations. This transformation would bring us closer to a higher level of existence, one characterized by eternity and perfection.