MONEY IS A ILLUSION YOU CAN'T SEE

Money is more than just a medium of exchange; it’s a force that governs nearly every aspect of our lives. From the moment we are born until the day we die, money plays a central role. It dictates our opportunities, shapes our decisions, and even determines our final farewell. Yet, despite its undeniable importance, money is also a powerful illusion—an abstract concept that has trapped humanity in an endless cycle of desire, dissatisfaction, and, tragically, even death. This blog delves into the emotional reality of money, exploring how it starts as a necessity, becomes a crutch, and ultimately reveals itself as a lie that entangles us in a perpetual loop of seeking and spending, with devastating consequences.

#### How Life Starts and Ends with Money

From the very beginning, money is intertwined with our existence. Birth, a moment that should be free of worldly concerns, is often steeped in financial considerations. In countries like the United States, the average cost of childbirth is around $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the type of delivery and the facilities used. In India, while the cost is lower, the financial burden can still be significant for many families, especially those relying on private healthcare.

But the financial strain doesn’t end at birth. As we grow, money becomes a defining factor in determining the quality of education we receive, the food we eat, and even the air we breathe. In some places, access to clean air has become a luxury—consider the rise of air purifiers in heavily polluted cities like Delhi, where the demand for clean air is monetized. According to a 2022 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution leads to 7 million premature deaths annually, with the poorest populations suffering the most due to their inability to afford clean air solutions.

And then, there’s death. Money’s grip tightens even in our final moments. The cost of a funeral can be a substantial financial burden. In the United States, the average cost of a funeral ranges from $7,000 to $12,000. Even in India, where cremation is a common practice, funeral expenses can range from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 depending on the region and the rituals involved. This harsh reality is a stark reminder that money is not just a part of life—it’s a requirement from birth to death, underscoring the inescapable financial loop we are all caught in.

The Cost of Everything, Even Breathing

In a world where everything has a price, nothing comes for free—not even the air we breathe. This may sound hyperbolic, but consider the rising costs associated with simply existing in an increasingly commodified world. Clean water, safe food, healthcare, and education are all basic necessities that now come with a price tag.

Take healthcare, for example. The global healthcare expenditure reached $8.5 trillion in 2021, and it continues to rise as populations age and medical advancements become more expensive. The average person, at some point in their life, will require medical care that could potentially bankrupt them without insurance or savings. In the United States, medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy, with 66.5% of all bankruptcies in 2022 tied to medical issues.

Even breathing, a basic physiological necessity, is not immune to monetization. In urban areas with high pollution levels, the demand for air purifiers, oxygen bars, and even canned air has surged. According to a 2020 report by Allied Market Research, the global air purifier market was valued at $10.3 billion and is expected to grow to $23.7 billion by 2027. This growth highlights the disturbing reality that something as fundamental as clean air is increasingly being treated as a commodity rather than a right.

The Tragic Consequence: Death Due to Money

The pursuit of money, or more accurately, the lack of it, can lead to tragic consequences. In a world where money is equated with survival, those who fall short can face dire outcomes. Financial stress is a leading cause of mental health issues, contributing to depression, anxiety, and, in extreme cases, suicide. According to a 2019 study by the American Psychological Association, 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at least some of the time, with financial worries being a significant source of anxiety.

In India, the situation is equally grim. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported that in 2021, over 10,000 farmers committed suicide due to debt and financial distress. These deaths are a haunting reminder of the fatal consequences that can arise when the weight of financial pressure becomes unbearable. The very system designed to manage wealth and facilitate economic growth is also a system that, when wielded without compassion, can destroy lives.

Money: A Perpetual Lie

At its core, money is a lie—a social construct that we’ve collectively agreed to assign value to. This lie drives much of our behavior, compelling us to chase after it as if it were the ultimate goal. Yet, despite its powerful hold over us, money is ultimately an illusion, a symbol of value rather than value itself.

The illusion becomes even more insidious when we consider the financial systems that govern our lives. The money we earn is taxed, and these taxes are then deposited in banks, which in turn lend our money back to us in the form of loans. This cyclical process means that we are perpetually paying for the privilege of using our own money. In 2023, global household debt reached a staggering $55 trillion, with much of this debt being the result of loans that, paradoxically, use the very money we’ve deposited in banks. 

The financial system, therefore, is a vast machine that profits from our labor, our savings, and even our debts. This loop traps us in a cycle where we work to earn money, save it in banks, and then borrow it back at interest. It’s a cruel irony that the money we need to live our lives is the same money that keeps us trapped in financial bondage.

You Can’t Live Without Money

In a society where everything has a price, money is inescapable. It’s the thread that weaves through every aspect of our lives, dictating our choices, our opportunities, and even our dreams. The reality is that you can’t live without money—not if you want to participate in the modern world. It’s needed for shelter, food, healthcare, education, and even the air we breathe. The notion of a life without money is as much an illusion as the concept of money itself.

But this dependency comes at a cost. The constant pursuit of money can lead to a life of stress, dissatisfaction, and unfulfilled dreams. People often sacrifice their health, relationships, and personal well-being in the quest for financial stability, only to find that the goalposts keep moving. The concept of "enough" becomes elusive, and the drive for more money becomes a never-ending cycle.

Money to Fulfill Your Dreams

Money is often portrayed as the key to fulfilling your dreams. The narrative is that with enough money, you can achieve anything—buy a home, travel the world, start a business, or secure a comfortable retirement. While it’s true that money can open doors, it’s also true that it can create a false sense of security and worth.

The reality is that money is not a guarantee of happiness or fulfillment. According to a study by Harvard Business School, spending money on experiences rather than material goods tends to bring greater happiness, but even this has its limits. The pursuit of wealth can lead to a hollow existence if it comes at the expense of relationships, health, and personal growth.

Moreover, the belief that money is the key to success is often a lie perpetuated by society. Education, hard work, and talent are crucial, but they are often overshadowed by the notion that financial success is the ultimate goal. This belief can lead to a life spent chasing after money at the expense of true fulfillment and purpose.

Money and Education: The Great Deception

One of the most pervasive lies is the idea that money is directly connected to education. While it’s true that money can buy access to better schools, tutors, and resources, it’s not the ultimate determinant of success. The education system is often portrayed as a meritocracy, but in reality, it’s deeply influenced by socio-economic factors.

In 2023, the average cost of a four-year college education in the United States exceeded $100,000. In India, private schools and colleges charge exorbitant fees, creating a system where quality education is accessible primarily to those who can afford it. Yet, despite this financial barrier, money alone does not guarantee educational success. Many students from wealthy backgrounds struggle academically, while those from less privileged backgrounds excel.

The lie is in the belief that money can substitute for effort, passion, and talent. Education should be about learning, growth, and discovery, but it has increasingly become about credentials and status. This shift has led to a commodification of education, where degrees are seen as tickets to financial success rather than pathways to knowledge.

Life Stuck in a Money Loophole

Life in modern society is often described as being stuck in a "rat race," but a more fitting analogy might be a "money loophole"—a repetitive cycle where individuals are trapped in the pursuit of financial stability, only to find themselves needing more money to maintain that stability. This loop is evident in the way we work, spend, and save.

The cycle begins with the need to earn money to meet basic needs—food, shelter, healthcare, and education. As individuals earn more, their lifestyles often inflate, leading to higher expenses and a perceived need for even more income. This phenomenon, known as "lifestyle inflation," traps individuals in a loop where they are perpetually working to earn more money, only to find themselves spending more as well.

Consider the concept of "keeping up with the Joneses," where individuals feel compelled to match the spending habits of their peers, often leading to unnecessary debt and financial stress. This social pressure to maintain or improve one’s status through consumption creates a vicious cycle where the pursuit of money becomes an end in itself, rather than a means to a fulfilling life.

This cycle is exacerbated by the financial systems that profit from our dependence on money. Banks, credit card companies, and lenders make billions from interest on loans, mortgages, and credit cards. In 2022, the global credit card debt alone was estimated at over $1 trillion, with average interest rates exceeding 16%. This debt trap is a prime example of how the money loophole keeps individuals tethered to a life of financial anxiety.

Even as people earn more, the rising cost of living, inflation, and economic uncertainty ensure that financial security remains elusive. The loop continues, with individuals working harder, saving more, and yet finding themselves no closer to the peace and stability they seek. The illusion of financial freedom is just that—an illusion that keeps us locked in a perpetual cycle of earning and spending.

The Dark Reality: Money Can’t Buy Happiness

Despite society's relentless push towards the accumulation of wealth, studies have consistently shown that money does not buy happiness. While financial security can provide comfort and peace of mind, there is a diminishing return on happiness once basic needs are met. According to a 2018 study by Purdue University, the ideal income for life satisfaction in North America is around $95,000 per year, while emotional well-being peaks at an income between $60,000 and $75,000. Beyond these thresholds, additional income does not significantly contribute to increased happiness.

This finding underscores a crucial truth: money can buy comfort, but it cannot buy meaning, purpose, or emotional fulfillment. The pursuit of wealth often leads to a life of stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction, as individuals find themselves caught in the never-ending chase for more. The focus on financial success can overshadow other important aspects of life, such as relationships, personal growth, and well-being.

Moreover, the obsession with money can lead to a sense of emptiness and disillusionment. As individuals achieve financial milestones—buying a house, acquiring luxury items, or accumulating savings—they may find that these accomplishments do not bring the happiness they expected. The realization that money cannot fulfill deeper emotional needs can lead to a profound sense of discontentment, as individuals grapple with the gap between societal expectations and personal fulfillment.

Money and the False Promise of Security

One of the most compelling lies about money is the promise of security it offers. We are taught to save, invest, and accumulate wealth to protect ourselves from the uncertainties of life. While financial planning is undoubtedly important, the belief that money can insulate us from all of life’s challenges is misguided.

Life is inherently unpredictable, and no amount of money can guarantee safety from illness, accidents, or loss. The global COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of this truth. Despite wealth, status, or financial planning, millions of people across the world faced the same vulnerabilities—health risks, economic instability, and social isolation. The pandemic exposed the limits of money as a shield against life’s uncertainties, as even the wealthiest individuals found themselves vulnerable to the same threats as everyone else.

Additionally, the pursuit of financial security can lead to a life of fear and anxiety. The constant worry about losing wealth, the volatility of markets, and the fear of financial ruin can create a perpetual state of stress. This fear-driven approach to life can lead to a mindset where money becomes an obsession, overshadowing the joys of living.

The Deceptive Link Between Money and Education

One of the greatest deceptions of our time is the perceived link between money and education. The narrative that financial investment in education guarantees success has led to an educational system that is increasingly commodified, where degrees are seen as financial investments rather than pathways to knowledge and personal growth.

In many parts of the world, access to quality education is determined by wealth. Private schools, prestigious universities, and specialized programs often come with high price tags, leading to the belief that only those who can afford these institutions can succeed. This belief is not only false but also damaging, as it undermines the value of effort, creativity, and passion in education.

In India, for example, the cost of higher education has skyrocketed, with top institutions charging lakhs of rupees in fees. Yet, despite this investment, many graduates find themselves struggling to secure jobs or gain the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. The emphasis on money as the key to education has led to a system where students are burdened with debt, often without the assurance of a return on their investment.

This commodification of education also perpetuates social inequality. Those from less privileged backgrounds are often excluded from opportunities simply because they cannot afford them. The belief that money can buy success in education creates a cycle where the rich get richer, and the poor remain marginalized.

The Ultimate Irony: Money Is a Necessary Illusion

The ultimate irony of money is that while it is an illusion—a social construct that has no intrinsic value—it is also a necessary part of our lives. We cannot escape the need for money, yet we must also recognize its limitations and the ways it can distort our values and priorities.

Money is necessary for survival in modern society, but it should not be the measure of a life well-lived. The pursuit of wealth, if left unchecked, can lead to a life of emptiness, stress, and unfulfilled dreams. It can trap us in a cycle where we are constantly seeking more, never satisfied, and always yearning for something that money cannot provide.

The challenge is to find a balance—to recognize the importance of money without allowing it to dominate our lives. This means understanding that while money can provide comfort and security, it cannot replace the deeper, more meaningful aspects of life—love, relationships, personal growth, and fulfillment.

Conclusion: Breaking Free from the Money Trap

Money is a powerful force in our lives, but it is also a double-edged sword. While it is necessary for survival and can provide comfort and security, it can also lead to a life of stress, dissatisfaction, and unfulfilled dreams. The key is to recognize money for what it is—an illusion, a tool, and a necessary part of life, but not the ultimate goal.

Breaking free from the money trap requires a shift in mindset. It means valuing experiences over possessions, relationships over status, and personal growth over financial success. It means recognizing that while money is important, it is not the measure of a life well-lived.

In a world where money is often seen as the ultimate goal, it’s important to remember that true fulfillment comes from within. It comes from living a life of purpose, meaning, and connection with others. By redefining our relationship with money, we can break free from the cycle of endless pursuit and find peace, happiness, and fulfillment in the things that truly matter.