Not all paper is created equal

The idea of money and how we have assigned value to pieces of paper is something that I have always wondered about. I remember being very young and not understanding how something like a piece of paper that could so easily be destroyed, ripped, or damaged represent a monetary value that holds such a high place in our society. Once, little toddler me decided it would be funny to try and take a pair of scissors to my dad's wallet. No damage was done, my mom caught me before I could cut up any bills. But, this was the day that I learned that not all paper is created equal.

Not me, fyi

A few weeks ago we touched on Locke's explanation of money and how it plays into the Social Contract. It was refreshing to know that I am not the only person who questions accepted norms such as putting monetary value on paper and coins. Despite the seemingly arbitrary function of using paper money, it is necessary in order to uphold this Social Contract of ours.

I agree with Locke when he says that inequality doesn't exist before money is brought into the equation. It is the basis on which we form our society and its structure. For many, it is how they determine where to live, raise families, and who to associate themselves with. Money separates us and connects us all at the same time. This may be a cynical way of looking at our capitalistic and materialistic way of life, however I see it as just realistic.

How else would we be able to claim rights to things? History has shown that utopic communities where everything is everyone's just doesn't work. In the movie Wanderlust with Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston, the plot pokes fun at the idea of people living together in a commune and the abandonment of conformity and society. In the end (sorry if I'm spoiling it for you, it's not that hard to predict) modern living prevails for Paul and Jennifer's characters.

As much as I wish we could abandon all sense of conformity and structure and live without the constraints of money, I don't see another way our world could operate. We, as humans, have been placing value on objects throughout history. It's how we prioritize the necessities and luxuries of life, i.e. food and shelter vs that new iPhone or unnecessary pair of shoes.


Multimedia Sources: Kid with Cash, Wanderlust