The value of a dollar

Living in a cosmopolitan city can cause tunnel vision. In Singapore, our citizens are "glocal". We are both local and global. As a hub in South East Asia, it seems that we have a very diverse population - Orients, Malays, Indians, Caucasians. Our culture is one of tolerance and to some extent, acceptance.

Despite this variety, most share the same religion - Mammon. Immigrants, foreign workers, permanent residents and citizens alike, share the same dreams in Singapore as Americans have in L.A. California. Our lives revolve around possessions, creature comforts and luxury.

Perhaps fronted by our leaders, we concern ourselves with personal finances, the lottery, high paying jobs and rich spouses.

OMG WTF. Pardon the expression. I guess I can warrant an outburst in a blog. We are superficial, lacking in interpersonal skills and social graces. There are Christians who are no better. Truly unremarkable.

Before we live our lives so furiously in the cash chase, it is prudent to pause in reflection and introspection. Consider our entire 75 years lifespan as a plan. Our entry as a baby and our exit as a corpse must be significantly different. We cannot enter as a childish fool and exit likewise.

Don't mistaken me. I am a money grabber myself. Finders keepers, losers weepers. The perspective is not to denounce the importance of material and comfort items. Instead, it is to achieve the higher levels in Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Unmistakeably, many of our ancestors struggle to fulfill physiological and safety needs. They left behind rituals, traditions, best practices and random nuggets of wisdom to safeguard these needs. For their time, I respect their life's work and achievements.

Are all subsequent generations to follow the exact same forumlas for success? Do we proceed with our lives in the same manner?

How much does one need in order to survive? Mammon and possessions cannot fulfill self - actualisation needs. Luxury and status are superfluous at this level. Irrationals would consider building their entire life around extrinsic values.
Apparently, the SJ (Guardian) types value reputation and status. They tend to value material wealth. To the NT (Intellectuals) types, driving a fuel efficient vehicle makes sense. Why bother with a 1.2 tonne 4 seater luxury sedan? An automobile is nothing more than a tin can on wheels.

What is the value of a dollar? Is a dollar worth a dollar? Is a dollar worth a dollar after 10 years? Learning from the history of mammon and the purpose of money, a dollar has no intrinsic value. Money is extrinsic in nature. It is only worth an amount when it is exchanged. A house in a clean and safe residential district is worth more than a similar home near the industrial zones. A home in Shanghai is worth US$1 million. The same home is worth US$100,000 in Johor Bahru.

A dollar is not worth anything on its own. German Marks were literally worthless at a point in history - the kids used it to make kites. Roman coins became worthless overnight when the empire fell. Money is worthless on its own.

Why then do I hear undergraduates (supposedly the brighter minds amongst the cohort) make their goals based on monetary values? ESFJs, ESTJs, ISFJs and ISTJs are common folks, and they tend to pursue tangible goals. Why then do I hear people measure their successes in life based on their salaries and bank accounts? High salaries and wealth are two different matters. Truly unimpressive. Do we need a $6000 monthly salary to fulfill esteem and self - actualisation needs?

There are practical things in life that does not necessarily require the exchange of money. Personal abilities can allow one to live rather independently of services. I know many Muslim and Catholic families who take care of their own children. There are professionals (doctors, lawyers and engineers) who do house chores and live as examples without the need for domestic helpers. I know of professors and educators who travel by public transport despite having a driving license. The focus is on getting things done and keeping matters in order. Not so much on puffing up and displaying a front to show case.

In fact, what do you do with your salary? Do you know what you want? Do you think you can create a better life with limited resources?

Money is important. Especially so in Singapore. We do not have our own padi fields, nor have sufficient water resources. We buy. No dispute on this fact. Nonetheless, the common folk (especially the SJ types) need to understand money is not value and value is more than money. When we need plumbing, we pay for services. When we are hungry, we buy food.

But to be a human, we cannot stagnant at low levels on the needs hierarchy. Find meaning in self - actualisation rather than dwell on mammon and the relentless pursuit of it. Having millions does not improve the quality of life. Having plenty is comfortable - we need to focus on family, personal ability and family capacities. We can attempt to place a value on these intrinsics but there is no true way of determining them.

In a mad world bent on self destruction, we are continuously tempted to flaunt and obtain things that does not matter. In this decadent society, we are made to believe in money that has no value of its own. In this insane population, we are led to think that we need to herd and follow the ways of the carnal.

Before we live our short lives in a quick flash only to be consumed in regret and self pity at our death beds, consider a pause every now and then to consider the intrinsics. "Not everything that can be counted counts. Not everything that counts can be counted." - Albert Einstein.