The Concept of Wealth

by

Anthony Muratori
 Wealth is one of the greatest powers since the beginning of all cultures. Ever since the

beginning wealth has played a major role in the placement of rank in society, as well wealth can

even be the reason for society itself. Wealth is something we cannot escape. We are constantly

being measured in society by the cars we drive, the clothes we wear, the jewelry we accessorize,

and the money we have in the bank. As wealth measures us, wealth itself is measured by the

things we desire. Regardless of need or want, everything comes at a cost, and some people will

do anything to get it.

As wealth brings power, itself can be a power over the empowered. Greed can bring out

the worst in people. In fact, Greed is what makes wealth the root of all evil, as it is stated in the

Bible. In the times we live in 1% of the world’s population owns 40% of the population’s wealth,

and 50% of the world’s population live on under two dollars a day. Over thirty-five thousand

children die daily due to poverty and preventable diseases. Meanwhile people lust after their own

personal gain. They consume every dollar to selfish desires as they earn it, but as they consume

the dollar their greed consumes themselves.

Wealth has swept the very feet up under this so called free nation, and turned it into a

nation of slavery. In fact, debt is one of the most brilliant sources of slavery since the beginning

of creation. In the past slavery has been enforced by the hand of man, now it is discreetly

enforced by the very means of survival, and pleasure. “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the

borrower is servant to the lender (Proverbs 22:7).”

 Money is created by the Federal Reserve Banks. When a Government needs money they

request it from the Feds. Their request is accepted, but at the cost of bonds; which is much like a

loan. The Feds then hand the money over to the Government and the Government deposits their

loan money into a bank. Once in the bank, 10% of the amount deposited is set aside for reserves.

The rest of the money is available to be lent out again or spent; but as the money is banked again,

10% of that amount is also banked into reserves. As this process is repeated, it creates inflation

which devalues the cost of a dollar. So as these loans are created they are originally created out

of nothing, but even nothing is something, and in this case nothing is debt.

Since 1900ad the value of a dollar has decreased 96%. That’s right, four cents then is

equal to a dollar now. In the past 10 years alone the dollar bill has decreased 23% in value. As

this reserve system creates great wealth for the few, it makes it impossible to be paid back. This

is why inflation is needed, so there is enough money to pay for the debt owed. However, the poor

people will always get the short end of the stick. This situation has been referred to as a game of

musical chairs, when the music stops someone runs into bankruptcy.

In 1968 there was a man by the name of Jerome Daly, who on December 12th was

challenging the foreclosure of his home by the bank which provided the loan to purchase it. His

argument was based on the contract that stated that both him and the bank were required to put

up a legitimate form of property for the exchange. Since technically the bank reserves are created

up out of interests, the bank is putting up nothing other then reliability on paper. The Judge was

convinced and said, “the plaintiff admitted that, in combination with the Federal Reserve Bank,

did create the entire $14,000.00 in money or credit upon its own books by book keeping entry.

The money and credit first came into existence when they created it. Mr. Morgan admitted that

no United States Law or Statute existed which gave him the right to do this. A lawful
consideration must exist and be tendered to support the note. The Jury found there was no lawful

consideration and I agree.” He also said, “Only God can created something of value out of

nothing.” After the judges decision the court rejected the banks foreclosure and Jerome Daly was

able to keep his home.

However, the banks system is much more advanced and with very little room for flaw

concerning debt. Every time we handle money, we are handling some one else’s debt. In fact

only 3% of all currency is physical; The rest is dealt with electronically. So as some one is

considered wealthy off of currency, that wealth is coming from the debt of others, making it

impossible for the world to be debt free as long as the majority of it is in the hands of few.

There was a time long ago when needs and wants were all fulfilled. This was a time filled with

perfection, peace, prosperity, and freedom, but that time was lost at the fall of man; when sin

entered this world. Currently the majority of Americans work their whole lives to find happiness

in the things they own. When in fact, in the words of Jacoby Shaddix, “The things you own, own

you.” Because of the fall of man, man must work. The problem is that humanity strives to obtain

their desires in the thought that it will make them appear more happy, more righteous, and even

more powerful. These deceptions of lies lead to enslaved bondages caused by greed, coveting,

and Idolatrous.

There was a poet by the name of Edwin Arlington Robinson, who wrote a poem called

“Richard Cory.” This poem is about a man who had it all: respect, wealth, power, knowledge,

and even an appealing appearance. As Richard would walk through the streets people who saw

him would covet him, wishing they had what he had. As great as his life appeared, inside Richard

Cory was miserable. One calm summer night, Richard went home and put a bullet in his head.

When I first read this poem I was under the impression that Mr. Robinson was implying that all
the wealth and fame in the world will not make a person happy. I am still under that assumption,

for what he states is true, and to further that truth, Jacoby Shaddix also stated “Possessions will

never fill the void”

Wealth is not in all bad. In fact God wants us to be prosperous, and we should even wish

prosperity on one another; But the motives that lye beneath the sinful nature of wealth can

suddenly enforce destruction upon billions of lives across the world. I believe true provision and

happiness comes from God, our families, and the memories we make them. Wealth creates a very

powerful image, how you display that image can bring many outcomes.
Sources
Reif, Paul. Richard Cory. [Words by Edwin Arlington] Robinson. [New York]: Seesaw Music,

1971. Print.

Shah, Anup. "Poverty Facts and Stats — Global Issues." Globalissues.org. Global Issues, 20 July

1998. Web. 31 Dec. 2010. <http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats>.

Freeman, Morgan M. "The Inflation Calculator." Westegg.com. Westegg Publications, 20 Apr.

1942. Web. 31 Dec. 2010. <http://www.westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi>.