By Nicola Niclass
Can one not like money? Do you know anyone who is very poor and happy with their financial situation? Can one be indifferent to bailiffs coming to seize your assets, including your home? Do you honestly believe that money does not contribute to happiness?
If we start from the premise that money greatly supports satisfaction and prosperity, can we imagine a system that does not encourage economic growth? The post-war boom years made it possible to significantly reduce inequality across a substantial part of the world. What is more, money is a highly effective means of fostering relationships between individuals and nations.
Do you know many therapists who treat you for free? Do you know many activities that are not paid for? Even a walk in the forest with friends or family often involves driving there or using public transport, which can sometimes be expensive.
Whether we like it or not, money helps self-realisation and makes it possible to receive better care, to design and launch major forward-looking projects, to be generous, and could easily promote social peace in order to curb the spread of conflict.
Within your own circle, have you ever spoken with environmentalists or advocates of degrowth who face major economic and financial difficulties?
One proposed solution is a guaranteed minimum income for people in need, but this implies acknowledging a structural inability of society and the nation to provide employment for all active individuals. Supporting entrepreneurs and decision-makers does not mean paying them to do nothing.
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