Stone Money

Since the beginning of time there has been some source of currency. Currency plays a large factor in society, back in the day bills where very low and a little easier to keep up with although the pay rate was low, it was more manageable for example “ $100 in 1950 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $1,273.97 today”(Ian Webster). This alone shows how much the currency system has changed and will continue to. In todays world if you do not have a steady income you would not be able to make it very far, money controls everything we do. Because of this many problems can occur. 

Currency is different all over the world. The most common money system before would be some sort of metal, gold, or silver. There are still many places that did not have any of these resources so they were forced to create their own currency system . It could be something such as a piece of paper or even large pieces of stone. For example, the Yapese people, they were located in the Western Caroline islands. On this island there was no source of gold nor silver. Due to their lack of resources their money was a circular limestone disk that they found 400 miles away and brought back to their island. They decided that the limestones were going to be their source of currency (Milton Friedman). They used it as if it was money but the value of the stone was so high that they could not use it to buy everyday things; they would mostly only use it for large purchases such as, a gift for a wedding. 

 Many societies value currency as a fundamental concept. Due to its appraisal in society money will always continue to run everything, anywhere you go. I believe a piece a paper with a 5,10,20, etc on it, is considered worthy; Due to the perceptions and beliefs ingrained in our society. “ Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.” (Aym Rand). This quote emphasizes the instrumental role of money. It shows that money is not inherently valuable but serves as a means to an end. Those pieces of paper with those numbers on it holds worth because it allows individuals to acquire goods and services, fulfilling their needs and desires. This brings a common topic: whether,money can buy happiness or not. There are many people all over the world that could have no income and are happier in life then many millionaires. I believe money can buy happiness to a certain extent; with the benefit of having a good source of income, it could definitely help you financially and allow you to enjoy yourself more. Which could be considered as temporary happiness. However, having an abundance of money can cause you many problems and stress if you allow it. For example many people in today’s generation want the most expensive things to impress others and be socially accepted into society. That causes many people to end up broke from purchasing materialistic items for others, instead of saving and investing. 

The age of the modern dollar bill is collapsing, drastically and coming to its ultimate demise. The U.S could be faced with another economy crash and be forced to go into another recession. This is caused by “political or economic upheaval, hyperinflation, or war”. Right now, the U.S is suffering from hyperinflation. The cost of living today is at an all-time high as opposed to other years. We are constantly stuck paying other country’s an absurd amount of money, wasting it in war, or its dishonorably being displaced. There is a societal pushback recently due to the rise in cost of living. Many residents of highly populated areas are forced to migrate to either, dangerous, unhealthy, or dirtiest places. Simply because rent costs too much. People are forced to do unimaginable things, just to provide for themselves and their families. Through all this turmoil, the U.S has yet to come up with a solution to many of these problems. Instead, we are more focused on things that are not necessarily impacting us American’s.

References

https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1950

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