I took this photo inside a 16 Handles that sells frozen yogurt and toppings.
The cashier had put out this cup for tips.
On the cup is a sign that says:
"Money is the root of all evil. Cleanse yourself here. Thanks."
Sort of a smart way to get people to give.
Afterwards, I was mulling over whether it's true--is money "the bad guy" in life or what makes us do bad things?
Sure, people want money--and they usually like lots of it--they want to live "the good life" --with big houses, fancy cars, nice clothes, good food, exotic vacations, and financial security--how sweet it is!
And so often when people can't get it legitimately, they will resort to lying, cheating, and stealing to get it.
But fortune is just a facet of something larger that gnaws at people souls --and that is greed.
People don't just want money, they are also greedy for power, fame, brains, brawn, sexual satisfaction, and a long (or immortal) life to enjoy it all.
So probably greed is the real root of all evil and money is just one of the larger branches.
Perhaps that is why religion and piety is often associated with asceticism--avoiding indulgence--and instead devoting oneself more to spiritual pursuits in life and to servitude of G-d.
Also of course, devotion to family, friends, and community--doing good deeds--giving and not taking--are held in high esteem for people looking for something more meaningful and devout in life.
Also, having recently seem some people with "too much of a good thing"--I realized that when people actually get all the material things they want and in such complete abundance--they can literally drown themselves in it.
It's sickening after a while--literally--the law of diminishing returns kicks in, and the things that are so coveted just become overwhelming and poisonous to the person.
I saw this in a movie once too where the person who stole from the king is punished by having swathes and swathes of molten gold poured down the person's throat--"You want it that bad, well here it is!"
There comes a point, a maturity, a depth, a realization, when a person just wishes for enough in life, for the people they love, and for happiness with them--they find genuine contentment--and that is something worth being greedy for. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Can You Have Too Much Money?