by Rick Baker
On Apr 4, 2014
Thought Tweet #970 Money- it can build quality character...but only if it is earned with effort, over time.
The Thinking Behind The Tweet
Money is an illustration of Value.
Money is an extrinsic reward...something we give and get in exchange for other things and actions of Value.
Extrinsic rewards are fleeting. So, money provides some short-term gratification then that gratification dissolves.
When extrinsic rewards are received too quickly or in too-large amounts the gratification can become like an overdose drug...and dysfunctional behaviour follows...hubris, inflated ego, etc.
When extrinsic rewards are received at a steady pace, in positive better-than-average amounts, the feeling of gratification is balanced...and this is comforting. One example of this comfort is the repeated confirmation that there is no need to fear poverty. And this sort of comfortable gratification feeds and grows self-confidence...which leads to enhancements of character.
In this way, money earned over time can help a person build quality character.