what is money anyway?

I mean, we all recognize it when we see it, but what exactly is it? According to The Houghton Mifflin Canadian Dictionary of the English Language, money is: 1. A commodity such as gold or silver that is legally established as an exchangeable equivalent of all other commodities and is used as a measure of their comparitive values on the market. 2. The official currency, coins and negotiable paper notes, issued by a government. 3. Assets and property that may be converted into actual currency. 4. Pecuniary profit or loss. 5. Any unspecified amount of currency.

Okay, I get that, but why does it still strike me as strange that we've all managed to agree that certain pieces of paper and small metal objects constitute money, and others don't? Why does the whole exchange ritual still seem slightly bizarre? And why does the above definition seem so incomplete? Where is the psychology of it all? Because to me, money just feels like so much more.

Comments

[Krissa]

6. The root of all evil. :) ha ha... Seriously though, a very thought provoking topic. And remember when we were kids, so many things were worth more to us than any amount of money. Geez, if I found a rock I really liked, no one could have given me any amount of money for it. I'm so glad that I am still the same. Although there are less things that I feel that way about now, there are plenty of things that are worth more to me than any amount of money. But yet, to exist without it? And on and on we go. I'm really looking forward to your blog. Not only for the practical helpful advice type things, but the philosophical and thoughtful ideas which lead to so many interesting places. ... And one last thing, isn't it interesting too how in some cultures, things of real value to survival (I hate to use it, but the example that comes to mind is animals, for one) are "money"? Seriously, it's a great point that why do certain small pieces of paper and little metal objects become so valuable and mysterious. ... Great start to "Think Outside the Piggy Bank"!

[think outside the piggy bank]

Thanks Krissa. Glad you're back online. And welcome aboard the blog!

As for #6, well, when it comes to things like puppy mills and dogfighting, I do sometimes feel that way!