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Ritvik Aggarwal

Dr. Adrian Joseph Rivera

English W131

1st Dec 2023

Chasing Shadows: The Cost of Wealth in 24/7 Capitalism and Music's Mirror

Under the unyielding neon glow of 24/7 capitalism, we chase the elusive dollar, forever

racing in a loop of profit and pursuit. This concept is an economic system that operates

continuously, prioritizing constant consumerism and profit-making around the clock and is

shown in the song “Money” by Pink Floyd which is a british rock band known for their

psychedelic sound and profound lyrical themes, revolutionized music with their impactful

presence since the 1960s. Although Floyd’s “Money” can be interpreted a mere reflection of the

materialistic obsession of it’s era, nevertheless, it stands as a critical commentary on the impact

of 24/7 capitalism and relentless pursuit of money because it underscores dehumanizing effect of

greed, critiques the disparity caused by wealth accumulation, and questions the societal value

that equates the success with financial gain.

24/7 capitalism and relentless pursuit of money underscores the dehumanizing effect of

greed. The video examines the dehumanizing effects of greed and relentless capitalism, albeit

through different mediums. For instance it delves into the invasive nature of modern capitalism,

highlighting how it disrupts natural human rhythms, such as sleep, in the pursuit of unending

productivity and consumerism. This disruption, Crary argues, leads to a profound disconnection

from our own humanity, as our lives become increasingly dictated by the demands of a

profit-driven society. His examination of sleep deprivation as a metaphor reveals deeper

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concerns about the long-term psychological and social effects of a system that values profit over

natural human needs.

Similarly, Floyd's “Money” uses sharp, satirical lyrics and a distinctive cash register

sound to underscore the corrupting influence of money and greed. The song's cynical view on the

relentless pursuit of wealth reflects a society where human values are overshadowed by

materialistic desires. The song not only critiques the present but also serves as a cautionary tale

about the future, suggesting that a society overly fixated on material wealth is heading towards

moral bankruptcy and a loss of genuine human connection. In this way the song offers a critique

of the system that prioritizes monetary gain over human well-being, portraying a world where

the endless chase for wealth leads to a loss of empathy, individuality, and moral values.

As Money eloquently critiques the societal obsession with wealth and its moral

implications, this theme seamlessly transitions into the narrative “American Kompromat: How

the KGB Cultivated Donald Trump, and Related Tales of Sex, Greed, Power, and Treachery”

delves into the intertwining of power, greed, and manipulation, showcasing how these elements

can be exploited in the political arena. The narrative of Trump's cultivation by the KGB as

depicted in the article echoes the themes of greed and the corrupting influence of power seen in

both works. It highlights how the relentless pursuit of wealth and influence, central to 24/7

capitalism, can lead to ethical compromises and treachery, further dehumanizing individuals by

reducing relationships to transactions and power plays.

In Money, Pink Floyd not only critiques the dominant economic system but also

prophetically anticipates the themes discussed by Crary, highlighting 24/7 capitalism and

relentless pursuit of money critiques the disparity caused by wealth accumulation. Crary

critiques the modern capitalist system, emphasizing its impact on the natural human cycle of rest
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and activity. He highlights how the relentless drive for wealth accumulation disrupts basic human

needs like sleep, creating a disparity between those who can afford to rest and those who must

continuously work in a society that never sleeps. This relentless cycle favors the wealthy, who

can manipulate time and resources to their advantage, deepening the divide between the affluent

and the less privileged. His focus on the disruption of the sleep cycle is emblematic of a larger

issue where essential human needs are sacrificed for economic gain. This not only creates a

physical and mental health crisis but also exacerbates social inequalities, as those without the

means to opt out of the 24/7 cycle are disproportionately affected.

Similarly the song's raw portrayal of the pursuit of wealth mirrors a society where

success is often measured by material gain, overlooking the value of human connection and

ethical conduct. The song uses its respective mediums to critique how wealth accumulation leads

to a societal imbalance, where the endless pursuit of capital creates a rift, marginalizing those

who are caught in the relentless gears of a capitalist machine that values profit over people.

Furthermore, the song also touches upon the psychological impact of this wealth-centric

worldview. It implies that the relentless chase for material gain often leads to a sense of

emptiness and dissatisfaction, highlighting the irony in seeking fulfillment in something as

fleeting and insubstantial as monetary wealth.

Echoing the critical perspectives laid out in Pink Floyd's 'Money', the subsequent analysis

aligns in John Ehrenreich's article, Third Wave Capitalism: How Money, Power, and the Pursuit

of Self delves into the evolution of capitalism into its contemporary form, where it not only

intensifies wealth accumulation but also fosters a culture centered on individualism and

self-interest. It adds a layer of self-centric behavior that further alienates individuals from

communal and empathetic values and expands this critique to the societal transformation under
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capitalism. The pursuit of self-interest and personal gain becomes paramount, often at the

expense of societal welfare and equity.

In the vein of Pink Floyd's 'Money', which critiques the relentless pursuit of wealth and

its impact on societal values, 24/7 capitalism and relentless pursuit of money questions the

societal value that equates success with financial gain. Cary presents striking images that

question the societal norm of equating success with financial gain. For instance the image of a

society that never sleeps, driven by the relentless demands of a capitalist system, serves as a

metaphor for the devaluation of human well-being in the face of economic productivity. It

challenges the reader to reconsider the cost of uninterrupted consumption and production, where

success is measured by output and wealth, often at the expense of basic human needs and health.

Crary's portrayal of a society enslaved to the demands of a non-stop capitalist system extends

beyond the present, suggesting a dystopian future where human well-being is continually

sacrificed for economic growth. This relentless push for productivity and wealth accumulation

hints at a world where human aspects are further marginalized, raising questions about the

sustainability of such a system.

Similarly, the vivid imagery in Floyd's “Money” from the jangling cash registers to the

gritty, cynical tone of the lyrics – paints a picture of a society obsessed with material wealth. The

song's satirical take on the pursuit of money, symbolized through these aural and lyrical images,

critiques the idea that financial accumulation is the ultimate marker of success. The song does

more than critique the present obsession with wealth; it offers a forewarning about the

consequences of a society that measures success solely in terms of financial gain. The song's

depiction of materialism and greed foreshadows a future where human values like empathy,

community, and ethical behavior are overshadowed by a relentless pursuit of wealth. The song
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uses its respective mediums to create powerful images that confront the listener and reader with

the consequences of a value system that prioritizes wealth over human experience, prompting a

critical examination of what truly constitutes success in a society increasingly dominated by the

pursuit of financial gain.

Continuing on the themes of wealth and materialism highlighted in Floyd’s 'Money', John

Plender's article, Capitalism: Morality and the money motive; there's a cohesive narrative that

critiques the societal valuation of success through financial gain. Plender's article delves into the

moral implications of capitalism, particularly how the pursuit of money influences ethical

decision-making and societal values. His analysis adds depth by questioning the ethical

consequences of a system that not only glorifies wealth accumulation but also often neglects

moral considerations in favor of financial motives. The collective insights from these works

highlight a societal dilemma: the relentless pursuit of wealth and the corresponding decline in

moral and ethical standards. They provoke a reevaluation of success, urging a shift from

monetary metrics to a more holistic view that incorporates ethical and humanistic values.

In conclusion, "Money" by Pink Floyd, transcending its era, serves as an incisive critique

of the impacts of 24/7 capitalism and the relentless pursuit of wealth. This song, with its piercing

lyrics and unique soundscapes, underscores the dehumanizing effects of greed, critiques the

social disparities bred by wealth accumulation, and questions the societal equating of success

with financial gain. It resonates with the themes explored in various works, from Crary's

examination of capitalism's intrusion on natural human rhythms to Ehrenreich's analysis of

self-centeredness in modern economic structures. Collectively, these perspectives highlight a

profound societal shift, where relentless economic drives overshadow fundamental human values

and connections. This essay thus underscores the necessity of re-evaluating our definitions of
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success and well-being in a world increasingly dominated by materialistic pursuits. By drawing

parallels between artistic expression and scholarly analysis, it invites a deeper reflection on the

moral and ethical implications of a society that relentlessly chases wealth, often at the expense of

its own humanity.

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Works Cited

American Kompromat: How the KGB Cultivated Donald Trump, and Related Tales of Sex,

Greed, Power, and Treachery. Governance, vol. 35, no. 2, Apr. 2022, pp. 682–84.

EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10.1111/gove.12687.

Crary, Jonathan. 24/7: Late Capitalism and the Ends of Sleep. New York, Verso, 2013.

Ehrenreich, John. Third Wave Capitalism: How Money, Power, and the Pursuit of Self. New

York: Cornell University ILR School , 2016. 1-10

Plender, John. Capitalism: Morality and the money motive. London: Financial Times, 2015. 1-3

Pink Floyd. "Money." The Dark Side of the Moon, EMI Records, 1973.