Reflections of Professor Dennis Torres's class discussion
At some point in each person's life, circumstance or consequence of decision brings about challenge, strife, trials and tribulations for a time. In such caustic environments, overcoming adversity, finding clarity in the chaos, and recovering from the depths in which we fall is no easy task- and most certainly, most significantly defines our character.
Life is hard, at times, and circumstance brings about horrible tragedy. However, money cannot solve any of these things. Yes, money makes these burdens easier to a certain degree… but it does not make deep tragedies hurt any less or emotional cuts penetrate less deeply. Money only eases the burdens of financial hardship — beyond this limited purpose, it is foolish to apply money to solve other problems or bring fulfillment in life. Money will not complete you — it will never make you whole. Arguably, it is the love of money that makes man less complete, less whole, and less capable of being fulfilled by a higher power, personal fulfillment and the love of other human beings.
However, it is easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to get into heaven. Professor Dennis Torres discussed in class that money is not the root of all evil, but it is the love of money and the consumption of man by his money that is evil. When money and possessions start owning man… this too, is evil.
Money is empty, it does not love back, it is never enough, and it always asks for more… it is an addiction like any other. I choose to view money differently. I see money as something that, with care (and the checks and balances of my family), I can control and use as an opportunity and a tool for success rather than viewing it as something that should be avoided because it ALWAYS leads to corruption, addiction, elitism and egocentric behavior, love of self, and the inability to truly love others.
Dennis Torres mentioned in class that poll results revealed that people, regardless of net worth and income, wanted 20% more income to feel safe and comfortable. I think this is a scary realization and a cautionary warning to my future relationship with money not to become addicted to money where I always need more. I need to be continuously mindful of the need for discipline and self-control of my spending and to live far below my means so that money will not become an addiction. Also, when difficult situations come along, I will have a safety net (created by living below my means) to make the situation a little bit easier so I can worry a little bit less.
Life is not perfect. It never is- but it sure is beautiful. Even when things get really ugly — there is always something wonderful if you look hard enough. And when everything seems perfect — it never is — a blemish undoubtedly exists. The bitter moments of weakness in life make our greatest moments of triumph so much sweeter. Not all the money in the world will ever generate the capacity to pad us from adversity or grant us the satisfaction equivalent to exultation that is resultant of our personal merits and integrity.
Bethany is a 23-year old Southern California native and Pepperdine MBA candidate for April 2010. Bethany has obtained a Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University's Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and attended Pepperdine for her undergraduate education with a BS in Business Administration. She plans to attend law school in the near future.
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