Why Many Disbelieve in Motivations Other Than Money

Summary

The article discusses the societal misconception that people are primarily motivated by money, rather than intrinsic interests or passions.

Abstract

The article "Why Many Disbelieve in Motivations Other Than Money" delves into the widespread skepticism about non-monetary motivations in society. It argues that individuals in professions such as teaching, science, and the arts are often driven by a genuine interest in their fields, not because they failed at more lucrative careers like hedge fund management. The author highlights the societal pressure to prioritize wealth due to the low salaries associated with these valuable yet undervalued professions, which can lead to individuals sacrificing personal fulfillment for financial stability. The text contrasts the inner rewards of meaningful work with the societal pressure to accumulate wealth and power, criticizing the devaluation of people and meaningful work in favor of material wealth for the elite. It also points out the cultural projection that assumes everyone must inherently desire money, dismissing non-profitable endeavors as unserious or mere hobbies, as exemplified by the societal perception of Einstein's work at the patent office.

Opinions

The author believes that people in professions like teaching, science, and the arts are genuinely interested in their fields, not just settling for less after failing to achieve wealth.
There is a critical view of the economic system that undervalues essential professions, forcing individuals to choose between passion and financial solvency.
The article suggests that society's obsession with wealth leads to a devaluation of meaningful work and personal fulfillment.
It is argued that the cultural emphasis on money and power warps societal values, making it difficult for many to recognize the importance of non-monetary motivations.
The author posits that there is a fundamental misunderstanding in society about what drives people, with a skewed perception that everyone must ultimately be motivated by the pursuit of wealth.
The article implies that societal norms pressure individuals into "bullshit jobs" that offer higher pay at the expense of personal satisfaction and societal contribution.
The author uses Albert Einstein as an example to illustrate how society can undervalue significant contributions that are not directly tied to financial gain.

Why Many Disbelieve in Motivations Other Than Money

People are so hypnotized by our deeply flawed political, economic, social and cultural systems that they think it’s the only way to be.

Teachers are interested in teaching young people so they can have more fulfilling lives. Scientists are energized by the prospect of unlocking the secrets of Nature. Actors are really interested in acting and the arts — even if they aren’t rich and famous stars.

These careers were NOT the 2nd choices of people who simply couldn’t cut it as hedge fund managers. Imagine this: none of them wanted to be hedge fund managers. They actually are more interested in other things than maximizing their personal wealth.

Now, that said, our society forces people to struggle and the most interesting and truly valuable professions generally pay humble, often inadequate salaries. So, out of frustration and a need to meet expenses, these people often try to leave the professions they love and acquire positions that pay more money.

But money, in this case, is just a consolation prize for sacrificing what’s personally fulfilling in exchange for staying out of debt.

Inner Rewards vs. Societal Pressure

Now, many people are obsessed with money. Many of us NEED to be because, by design, employers pay as little as they can get away with, and vendors charge the maximum that they can get.

This is true not only of optional things, but also of basics like food and housing and medical care. So, we are pressured to try to acquire and take higher paying jobs. Those jobs are the bullshit jobs, the jobs that have no inherent value, the jobs that crush souls and offer the adrenaline rush of “winning” the rat race, as a substitute for the alternative — which would be spending your one and only life doing something useful and fulfilling.

Because we are in a culture and society that values wealth and power, and THINGS, and devalues living things — like people — as mere tools to create wealth (mostly for unworthy billionaires and soulless corporations) — our thinking is warped. Many people not only have lost any inclination to do something meaningful; they do not even see how such a thing is possible. Money is a substitute for meaning. An empty substitute.

Others Are Like Us. Or Not.

We project our thoughts and feelings and general worldviews on others. So, we think every author and every artists and every scientist and every teacher and every social worker is actually either a failure or sidetracked from what they really love. And what they really love, what they really MUST love — because nothing else is possible — is money.

This is a huge divide, one that seems unbridgeable. It’s like trying to explain music to someone who is tone deaf. Anything that doesn’t make you richer (or at least SOMEONE richer) isn’t serious. It’s killing time. It’s a hobby. Like Einstein’s theory of relativity. He did that unimportant and unprofitable mental exercise while gainfully employed as a paper pusher at the patent office in Zurich. The Zurich job was his REAL work.

Eventually, Einstein got a decently paying job at Princeton University. He was, at that point, a modest success. But he was no hedge fund manager.

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