Genuis of Money Chapter 13 Part 1: Money and the Modern Mind

Chapter 13 Part 1: Money and the Modern Mind

 

In Money and the Modern Mind, John Bloom dwells on the value of money in our lives. He says that money occupies a much bigger place in our consciousness than we would like to think (Bloom). Bloom points at the fact that people who tend to be generous and sympathetic are rare to be noticed, but still, he emphasizes, that the tendency is gradually turning to better (Bloom).

The author illustrates his hope for our better future with an example of a painter J. S. G. Boggs. He tells a story of how Boggs, having no money to pay for his food, paid in a restaurant by his painting - a perfect picture of a twenty-dollar bill. Bloom describes this as a perfect example of the painter's fight against the money system and argues that Boggs has turned the system against itself (Bloom).

Another example given by the author is from the fairy-tale "The Grave-Mound" by the Brothers Grimm. Here several characters are depicted, each of them with his own attitude to money and with his own inner fight. There is a wealthy farmer, a poor peasant, a soldier and the devil. In the end of the story, when the soldier has tricked a lot of gold from the devil and the peasant wants to take it, the soldier suggests giving it to the poor (Bloom). By these examples, Bloom shows people's dependence on or independence from money. 
  
I agree with the author that our society is, unfortunately, too much dependent on money. I would like the people to change their preferences, however, impossible it sounds. Indeed, there are things in this world much more valuable than money and which cannot be bought.

Genius of Money - Interview with Charles Terry

Interview with Charles Terry

In the interview with Charles Terry, John Bloom has a conversation with Charles Terry, who is a famous philanthropist and currently occupies the post of Terry-MacGregor Associates. Charles terry has dedicated many years of his life to the struggle of helping those in need. He recollects how at the beginning of his career in charity funds he had to overcome many difficulties and he tells about ho he decided to become a philanthropist. Terry says that his personal view on philanthropy is "love of humanity"( Bloom). He also explains how philanthropy can have transformed and released power over the people.

When asked about the money issue, Terry compares it with a natural resource that is necessary for the planet's existence. Terry is that if the money was accumulated properly and wisely, the planet would receive an outstanding benefit (Bloom).

When the author asks Terry why he thinks we have such situation with money, Terry answers that some people having a lot of money are simply afraid to part with it. He says that the money gives people illusionary security (Bloom). At the same time, he thinks that money is indeed powerful. however he warns, this power may be destructive if ill-used (Bloom).

Charles Terry's viewpoints are really impressive. I share his position about the necessity to think thoroughly about the ways of investing and using the money. I also like how he compares money to the natural resource and find his explanation of this point rather sufficient. I think if more people shared terry's ideas, our world would become a much better place to live.

Genius of Money Chapter 7 Part 2 : Culture - For the price of Admission

Chapter 7 Part 2: Culture - for the Price of Admission

In Culture - For the Price of Admission, John Bloom insists on the issue of purchasing tickets for cultural events as opposed to buying some goods or services. He claims that when one buys a ticket for a cultural event, he rather gets a right to be in some place and at some time than a warranty to receive pleasant emotions (Bloom).

Bloom emphasizes that unlike buying some item, while purchasing a ticket for a venue, the person does not receive anything material. He remarks that it is solely up to each individual to evaluate the quality of the performance and to decide whether their needs have been satisfied (Bloom).

Thus, as Bloom argues, from an economic point of view, when a person buys a ticket, he makes a contribution to the orchestra's (or other performance company's) development. As for the person's own benefit, it is not guaranteed that he will receive his money's worth. However, Bloom says that by buying tickets for cultural performances people support culture, which is extremely important (Bloom).

I think the author makes a good point in his approach to considering spending money on cultural events. I agree with him that it is necessary to support culture. I also support his idea that every person individually makes a choice as to whether the money spent was worth it or not. Even though purchasing a ticket may not guaranty any rights, but only a possibility to attend some kind of performance, it is still worth spending money on culture. In most cases, the emotions people receive are valuable. 



(Justin)

When buying a ticket to a specific performance or cultural event, we think about our purchase as a spectacle for us, not the ones who are playing or performing; however, this works as a reciprocal relationship. We, as fellow “show goers”, have to comprehend the simple give and take relationship of going to a cultural event or performance. Even though we go to events and concerts to see artists and performance that appeal to our interests, we are also go to provide an audience for the performer/artist. Without our physical representation or tickets, these talented and hard-working artists and performers would have no life at all. These fearless people who want to perform to show their passion to feelings need us to be there in order to make them feel that their hard word didn’t go to waste.

Genius of Money Chapter 9 Part 1: Money and the Dance of Death

Chapter 9 Part 1: Money and the Dance of Death

The theme death was common for European art and literature of the sixteenth century due to epidemics and wars that occurred from time to time. Death itself was both frightening and exciting, as it was considered as an inevitable ending. Therefore, people of art and literature found inspiration in reminding others that existence is not everlasting. The culture of Europe, and Germany in particular, death was perceived as a powerful force of making people think about their actions and thoughts.

Hans Holbein the Younger shows death as a creature of bones and flesh that comes to people of different income and strata of life. It has its body language and can even dance. By mirroring a man and dancing, death is like mocking at him showing its power and mightiness. Actually, death can also be considered as the man's own shadow. The entire scene takes place in the man's most sacred chamber where he keeps his treasure. It reminds people what value money really has. He cannot protect all his money bags and coins as well as he cannot give them to death in exchange for his life. This money never brought him happiness, though he became inseparable from them. The man created a prison for himself with no chance of getting free. Money that he considered being his power, now became his vulnerability.

In my opinion, the message of Hans Holbein is clear: do not see salvation in money. At the end, you will not be able to take all your treasures with you, so it is better to care about your soul and spirit. Otherwise, a person risks losing something more valuable than money even before the life ends.

Growing A Farmer part 2

I had a good time reading this novel. It gave me a flashback of people’s life in my hometown. Having a land, then a farm, and creating a business from it, is a true and strong experience Timmermeister shared with us. “Growing A Farmer” is a book that could be read, and understand by different types of people. I was fascinated by the writing style of the author even though the crudeness of the tone used and scenes described without detour were numerous. This is what made this book unique. Kurt also explained the path of our food origin to what is presented to us as available. He addressed the reality by pointing numerous industries as unethical. He probably brought the attention of the animal defenders on him.

His way of presenting and narrating his experience made me appreciate his book. He over detailed most of the scenes, which made the reading a little bit difficult. Overall the Growing A Farmer’s journey was a special one, because it made me navigate through a subject very familiar. His business model gave me a good idea for old days to keep me active. I would like to pay a visit to his farm to put clear images on the long pages read.