What's the Value of Money?

On the surface level, this question seems irrelevant. You might say it has the same value as the number mentioned on it. As simple as that. But thinking about it a little makes you really question the depth of this question itself. I'm not a financial expert or anything of that sort. But what intrigues me is the debate that is going on in perpetuity. Money or Happiness?

Often times we come across people saying that following passions and doing what makes us happy is most important. We come across another fair share of advice that says such things are only good to read on books and feel good. And in reality, hunger eats away passions and dreams. Having a good perception of what we want in life solves the problem of what advice to choose. I'm just starting off and have zero experience in money matters. But the concept is what makes me want to write about it. How to choose what's best for us? What is the way to earn Money? What is the way to Happiness? Is there a way to have both? If there is, what is it?

What I have read and observed about money is that it runs away from you if you chase it. You need to find a way to grab its attention. And start running away from it in the direction of your goals and visions. Or simply put, do what you love most! Only then, the money will start chasing you. The goal is to grab the attention of the money (through unique skill development) and let it chase you! (If you're good at something, you'll never have to do it for free!). Provide that service to people which they are willing to pay for. Something that brings great value into their lives and makes them live better!

Money in my view is like the certification of the service you have provided. You do something worth a certain amount and you are certified (paid the amount) worth that service. You use this certification (money) for other services you want to avail! There is a huge exchange of services in the world in different forms. We, instead of doing it for free and helping each other, found a way to introduce something called money. Funnily enough, I feel the barter system was way better! And after everything, it feels like the true purpose and the deeper meaning of money was lost in the process. We are actually living in harmony without realising it (exchange of services for the good of all!). And we blame money for all the anti-social activities!

The greatest of people in their crafts have never done anything for the sake of money. Those who least expected it or wanted it, have the most of it today! Lionel Messi said “Money is not a motivating factor. Money doesn’t thrill me or make me play better because there are benefits to being wealthy. I’m just happy with a ball at my feet. My motivation comes from playing the game I love. If I wasn’t paid to be a professional footballer I would willingly play for nothing.” This is something to really think about. We need to change the way we look at money and the way we value money. I love money and have the utmost respect for it. A slight change in perspective will help us reach greater heights...