Greed

[pureau79]

Money is the root of all evil. Pink Floyd spoke the words eloquently.

Thank you for posting pureau.

Just when we were getting along so famously...

I love Pink Floyd and the ethereal way they reach into my soul with their music, but I couldn't disagree more. They were wrong then and the principal is still errant. Money, in and of itself, is only a medium for exchange. It is the love of money that is the ROOT (origin) of evil. When one, as some have said here (and you have agreed), has an inordinate desire for money and associates material wealth and power with a sense of self worth, then that one is out of balance regarding money, but the money itself did nothing. Mankind has the capacity to do great good, or great evil (paraphrased) with its resources. The resources are merely objects we have assigned value to. At one time seashells were used as a medium for exchange, then copper, silver and a host of other materials until some smooth talking alchemist persuaded a king that gold was more scarce and few could possess it. The love of and lust for power and wealth have driven people to war, not the mediums themselves. The key to overcoming greed is in the heart of a man...

[krome2ez]

My example of greed would be,

the politicians of both Federal and State offices.

Both Dems and Repubs have been taking from those that earn the money,

and using it for thier pet projects that promote thier re-election and/or thier pocket book.

To keep taking and demanding more and more,

with no thought as to how it's being spent.

Just as long as they get what they want,

they justify it any way they can,

to include vilifying those that actually earned the money.

[The Machine]

Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.

[E A Poe]

Greed is having more than you need-but not willing to share.

[jv1054]

I would say greed is aquiring wealth and keeping it to all yourself. Without sharing one's wealth you can be considered greedy. Wanting more wealth is not greed when you have worked all your life for what you have accumulated only having enough to get by, which is what many of us are doing. If Greed is wanting dinar to Rv then count me in as greedy

[winterset]

I personally don't think greed is good.

I do however think having aspirations is good, desiring finer things, desiring to make money, etc.

Greed is defined as the selfish and excessive desire for something usually money in this context. I know people often say greed makes capitalism work, greed is good, etc. The word greed to me strikes me as someone who will step on others to get get more, earn more, etc. Someone who only cares about themself, will do unethical things to gain things for themself, etc.

I think you can treat people well, be an honest person, treat others as you would like to be treated and still desire to make money, make a way for yourself, be successful, etc.

If someone were to ask me is greed good I would probably say yes because I tink that's just kind of a slogan in terms of is capitalism good, however the actual true definition of greed I think is a negative thing.

I'm not sure if this counts, but I am greedy for more time in my day, better understanding from my husband and me time.

Here is a new question. What is the opposite of greed?

[DinarBam]

I am really impressed with many of the responses in this thread. It would seem that most DV members have a well reasoned grasp of the topic.

My own two cents are that it is easy to confuse ambition with greed and it can be a fine line. Greed is often a symptom of narcisism. When an individual defines his value exclusively by the attributes of self, abition can become greed. At the point where you believe that what you can achieve on your own is not enough, and you believe that you are entitled to what others have as well, you have become greedy. I would suggest that greed and wealth are also not the same thing. There are many greedy individuals who are not wealthy. Greed has no class distinction. The other side of the coin is that even when you have a great deal of wealth and posessions, a desire to continue to attain more does not define greed unless, (as stated by others in this thread) it is done at the expense of others or denying the opportunity of others to do the same.

Interesting thread, thanks.

Peace

[cbs71]

Greed = United States

[pureau79]

The best example of wealth and greed, in my estimation, may be found in the parable of the talents. Yeshua made the point that achieving greater wealth with what you have is proper. However, what we do with that wealth is a reflection of what is in our hearts. Think about this: having wealth and hoarding it unto ourselves, never giving to the needy and downtrodden is greedy behavior. Having two coats is wealthy by some standards as some have none, but does it make you greedy? I doubt it. Some are poor because they have a spirit (attitude) of poverty, and others are poor because they can't believe their creator really wants them to prosper. Some are poor because that is all they have ever known... Like an elephant that could easily break the chain that binds it, but believes it cannot overcome because that is all it has ever known. Having wealth is not evil. Not using it for good is evil. Having an apple tree and not pruning it is not the best practice...

[pureau79]

Greed = United States

I took time to read several of your posts before "bashing" you. Obviously I mean that rhetorically... You seem quite intelligent. So, what gives with the "Greed = United States" post? Certainly there are greedy people in America, as in all other nations. America's financial system was designed by greedy men, but America is not greed. If you feel that American ideals are rooted in greed then please, read the founding Father's writings again... a little more carefully this time. Many of them gave nearly all they had to ensure that America did not follow the path Western Europe was on. Thomas Jefferson was able to create legislation that outlawed the creation of a central banking system. He among many, knew it to be a corrupt system as it was modeled on the central banking systems of Europe. If you are not familiar with the Jekyll Island story, please research it. America is my home and I am proud of it. There are things wrong in America today that need changing, but a socialist system is not the answer. Socialism (and all the other "isms") will not succeed. People are the problem, but if you really feel America is the problem, why don't you look for a country that has a perfect system and simply move there?

[Polecat85]

It's a term thrown about these days to villify those that have made money by those that lack the desire, education or will to do the same. So, they think that these people are greedy because they won't share it with them. We have lost the desire to strive to get to that level and want it handed to us.

[pureau79]

It's a term thrown about these days to villify those that have made money by those that lack the desire, education or will to do the same. So, they think that these people are greedy because they won't share it with them. We have lost the desire to strive to get to that level and want it handed to us.

Uh uh... I still have it and I suspect you do as well... but I do agree that many a spoiled brat has. I've raised my children to have desire and initiative. I hope enough others did as well. Maybe we can get this ship back on course.

I'm not sure if this counts, but I am greedy for more time in my day, better understanding from my husband and me time.

Here is a new question. What is the opposite of greed?

The opposite of greed is 1Cor.13... Love. Love is not self seeking. There is no envy, malice, rage, jealousy or greed in love. Love seeks to do good for others.

[jon29]

An obsessive compulsive tendency to constantly want more of something, usually coupled with pride, jealousy, envy, and every other crappy attribute of human nature, driven to the extent of callously destroying everyone and everything to obtain whatever your selfish and inconsiderate ass is after. how's that?

[NevadaSam]

Greed is when........enough is NEVER enough...always wanting more (no matter how you get it, lie, cheat or steal to get more)

[jv1054]

Greed = United States??? Stupid maybe but not greedy.

[winterset]

Uh uh... I still have it and I suspect you do as well... but I do agree that many a spoiled brat has. I've raised my children to have desire and initiative. I hope enough others did as well. Maybe we can get this ship back on course.

The opposite of greed is 1Cor.13... Love. Love is not self seeking. There is no envy, malice, rage, jealousy or greed in love. Love seeks to do good for others.

Thanks! +1 for LOVE!

[cbs71]

I took time to read several of your posts before "bashing" you. Obviously I mean that rhetorically... You seem quite intelligent. So, what gives with the "Greed = United States" post? Certainly there are greedy people in America, as in all other nations. America's financial system was designed by greedy men, but America is not greed. If you feel that American ideals are rooted in greed then please, read the founding Father's writings again... a little more carefully this time. Many of them gave nearly all they had to ensure that America did not follow the path Western Europe was on. Thomas Jefferson was able to create legislation that outlawed the creation of a central banking system. He among many, knew it to be a corrupt system as it was modeled on the central banking systems of Europe. If you are not familiar with the Jekyll Island story, please research it. America is my home and I am proud of it. There are things wrong in America today that need changing, but a socialist system is not the answer. Socialism (and all the other "isms") will not succeed. People are the problem, but if you really feel America is the problem, why don't you look for a country that has a perfect system and simply move there?

I know that people are the problem. The people, or should I say, some of the people in the United States are greedy. Listen, what happened to the banks and lending institutions downfall was because of what? Greed! Not only that, this country is morally corrupt. We are going backwards. We live in a country where more is better and that you always have to have more than the next guy. Listen, if folks would read the Bible, they would understand what is going on. Now, we have states honoring *** marriage, etc..I could go on and on my soapbox, but I won't. No person or country is perfect nor will they ever be..understand that, but people need to wake up.

Edited November 4, 2011 by cbs71

[pureau79]

I know that people are the problem. The people, or should I say, some of the people in the United States are greedy. Listen, what happened to the banks and lending institutions downfall was because of what? Greed! Not only that, this country is morally corrupt. We are going backwards. We live in a country where more is better and that you always have to have more than the next guy. Listen, if folks would read the Bible, they would understand what is going on. Now, we have states honoring *** marriage, etc..I could go on and on my soapbox, but I won't. No person or country is perfect nor will they ever be..understand that, but people need to wake up.

Yes. All good points, but The United States does not equal greed, and our society is not morally bankrupt. You and I are engaged in this dialogue...

[skitealwedrop]

My personal definition is this...

Greed - When ambition to acquire more of something becomes unethical by denying others the same opportunity to acquire gains themselves.

In other words, there is nothing wrong with gaining all the wealth or items you want. When your gains deny other people opportunity, then you stepped into "greed".

Well said Soup. I see what have you described in my accounting practice often. Guess I'm venting tonight.

Thanks for your post.

I'm not nit-picking you but do feel the desire to expound on the money thing. Money itself is inanimate and neutral. Greed cannot have it's origin in money. It is the love of money that is the root of all evil. That is the basis of greed.

Money is the root of all evil? You must be a Pink Floyd fan.

[pureau79]

Just when we were getting along so famously...

I love Pink Floyd and the ethereal way they reach into my soul with their music, but I couldn't disagree more. They were wrong then and the principal is still errant. Money, in and of itself, is only a medium for exchange. It is the love of money that is the ROOT (origin) of evil. When one, as some have said here (and you have agreed), has an inordinate desire for money and associates material wealth and power with a sense of self worth, then that one is out of balance regarding money, but the money itself did nothing. Mankind has the capacity to do great good, or great evil (paraphrased) with its resources. The resources are merely objects we have assigned value to. At one time seashells were used as a medium for exchange, then copper, silver and a host of other materials until some smooth talking alchemist persuaded a king that gold was more scarce and few could possess it. The love of and lust for power and wealth have driven people to war, not the mediums themselves. The key to overcoming greed is in the heart of a man...

Well said Soup. I see what have you described in my accounting practice often. Guess I'm venting tonight.

Thanks for your post.

Money is the root of all evil? You must be a Pink Floyd fan.

Please don't take my words out of context. I said I love the ethereal way Pink Floyd reaches into my soul with their music. I have been a fan since I first heard Us And Them, but they were wrong. Roger Waters or whichever one wrote the lyrics to Money (and I believe it was Sid Barrett before he tripped out) was wrong. The author was wrong. Money is NOT the ROOT of all evil. It IS the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil. It is not WHAT one has, but what one DOES that is evil. Money is simply a medium for exchange. It does NOTHING. It is the condition of ones heart...

[cbs71]

Yes. All good points, but The United States does not equal greed, and our society is not morally bankrupt. You and I are engaged in this dialogue...

All good my friend, but that is why opinions are opinions and everyone has them. This is how I feel and no one can change that for me. And our society is nothing to be proud of. I will say this and add to it....our society has these issues: lack of morals(especially our politicians), corruption(but what country isn't?), and again, greed.

I am sick of our government trying to act like they are our role models. They sending out the message that "if you are poor, sick or old, of course unless you are rich or wealthy, you are basically on your own." However, I can write a book if I could, but I am done talking about this subject.

Have a great night....

[skitealwedrop]

Please don't take my words out of context. I said I love the ethereal way Pink Floyd reaches into my soul with their music. I have been a fan since I first heard Us And Them, but they were wrong. Roger Waters or whichever one wrote the lyrics to Money (and I believe it was Sid Barrett before he tripped out) was wrong. The author was wrong. Money is NOT the ROOT of all evil. It IS the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil. It is not WHAT one has, but what one DOES that is evil. Money is simply a medium for exchange. It does NOTHING. It is the condition of ones heart...

I read your post clearly and agree with you. Thank you for your insight. In my world money rules and people are so wrong and unkind. That's why I started the topic of Greed.

Ski

[Danan]

I feel like Greed is when you have what you need, but you have to have more, and more. Nothing brings you happiness because the quest for more consumes your thought and actions. these people are to be pitied and prayed for.

[pureau79]

I read your post clearly and agree with you. Thank you for your insight. In my world money rules and people are so wrong and unkind. That's why I started the topic of Greed.

Ski

That is precisely my point. We agree. People are the problem, but we cannot remove the human element from the grand equation...

Furball

[E A Poe]

It's a term thrown about these days to villify those that have made money by those that lack the desire, education or will to do the same. So, they think that these people are greedy because they won't share it with them. We have lost the desire to strive to get to that level and want it handed to us.

There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land." Deuteronomy 15:11