All about the money

Isn't it all about the money, almost always? Well, I am not being negative or beginning a philosophical monologue stating that money can't buy true happiness. I am just starting a conversation. Don't you think that our life revolves around and because of money? Money has become our life's fuel. We run on money, for money. Whoever thought of graduating from barter system to the currency system, would never have imagined that bits of paper, metal alloys and plastic would gain so much value in today's world. I mean, everything that we do has one common point, money. But what is interesting is that while money treats everyone the same (with an air of superiority, if I may add), everybody treats money differently. Here's what I have noticed:

1. Reverence: Some treat money like the god that it is. It is something not meant to be wasted on measly items of luxury like a meal at a high end restaurant or a fancy dress. It is meant to be saved and counted and counted again (in hopes that it would grow in number this time!) and saved. Saved for things that they won't get much time to enjoy. And sadly, their next generation would not even value the things that this hard earned money would have bought. Or maybe they are saving for a calamity which might never befall on them (god will), or if it does, the money would still not be enough (because it almost always never is).  

2. Pride: I have always felt that this seemingly positive word has a strong undercurrent of some sort of negative emotion, although I could never quite put my finger on it. People take pride in their money. In the wealth that they have inherited, earned, collected through whichever mean or the wealth they don't have but like to imagine out loud that they do. And when we are proud, it tends to show, whether we intend to or not (mostly we intend). Extra information like the stars of the restaurant, the brands of clothes, the carats of diamonds, the make of cars, the cost of watches and shoes starts slipping in conversations. It can be fascinating for those who have reverence for money or irritating for those who are just 'matter - of - fact' about it. 

3. Matter - of - fact: These are usually those who have been brought up with money. They usually don't brag about it, but they still stink of the moolah (their or their daddy's). Be it the latest iPhone in their Gucci purse, or the always perfectly french - pedicured feet in Jimmy Choos, the dark and light brown squares of Louis Vuitton  on the belt which is holding their Armani denims, the money isn't shown, but is very clearly visible. They don't bother about the money. Have always had it, will always have it, don't really care about it but won't be able to survive without their Calvin and Klein eau de toilette or Victoria's Secret undergarments. 

4. Disdain: I have also known people who have they big money, and feel guilty about it. They would rather be the aam aadmi travelling in public transports and eating roadside vada paos. They are acutely aware of the extra attention being doled upon them because of the shiny platinum credit cards in their wallets and they hate it! They would work extra hard to seem like just one of "us" because they scorn the money that they were born in. But try as much as they can, it becomes difficult for them to dissociate themselves from the wealth.

5. The Whip Holder!: Ooh, this section of people is exciting and fun and just so interesting! They have the  money, they know it and they want people to know it through all fancy means. Family weddings (nothing less that Jodha - Akbar style), birthday bashes (foreign trips with free loader friends!), shopping (although preferable in London, Dubai or New York, but Emporio Mall in Delhi might do as well) etc. They are the uncrowned leaders of their social circles (even though their social circles would mostly comprise of  other whip holders or some matter - of - fact-ers).

This is just a snapshot of the middle class, upper middle class and high class sect of the society. There are a hundred and more ways in which people treat their money. I pendulum from reverence (I got this from my parents, especially Ma) to pride (depending on the status of my salary, currently  very very delayed! hence, past reverence to desperate for some green in my bank account!) and hope to be a matter of fact. I have no qualms or judgement about any of these people. It is their money and they can treat it however. All I wish to say it is that money might be something that the world is revolving around, but it is always nice to have someone with whom and on whom you would want to spend that money. And when you have that someone (or someones), the money does make things much hunky dory, but little or no money doesn't hurt that bad either. :)