Introduction: The Unseen Knowledge of Money
Schools never teach you about the true nature of ‘money’. Is it a representation of values, a form of credit, or a ‘drug’? In recent years, I’ve come across various interpretations and perspectives on what money really signifies.

Money as a Carrier of Value
Traditionally, money is seen as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, and a store of value. It facilitates transactions and symbolizes convenience. For instance, using services like Uber Eats or Food Panda saves time, which is valuable. Thus, money also represents time – it can’t buy past time but can save present and future time.

Money and Time Value
The concept of the Time Value of Money suggests that money today is worth more than the same amount in the future due to its potential earning capacity. This is evident in interest-earning scenarios, such as turning $100 into $120 over ten years at a 2% interest rate.

Money as Credit
According to a recent video by Lao Gao, money is a form of credit. Earning credibility can be equated to earning money.

Money Reflecting Personal Values
While accumulating wealth might lead to losing oneself, studying money can help in self-rediscovery. Unlike the indirect utility proposed in economic models, neuroscience suggests that money, like any primary reinforcer such as an attractive face or a sports car, can stimulate the release of dopamine.

Money as a Stimulant
In anticipation of profit, money activates the brain’s reward center, the nucleus accumbens, similarly to the anticipation of cocaine use. This comparison highlights money’s powerful psychological impact.

Money as a ‘Drug’
Harvard University studies show that losing money in games activates the nucleus accumbens, associated with motivation, reward, and addiction. This reaction is comparable to the brain’s response to cocaine use, emphasizing money’s addictive qualities.

Money Representing History and Civilization
Money also signifies history and civilization. The symbols on currency tell collective human stories and reflect cultural values. Money is not just an economic tool but a piece of art and history.

Money and Happiness: The Easterlin Paradox
Economist Richard Easterlin pointed out the weak correlation between money and happiness. Despite increased wealth over decades, happiness levels have not proportionately risen, suggesting that more money doesn’t necessarily bring more happiness.

Buddha’s Perspective on Money and Desire
Buddha observed that our desire for more riches leads to dissatisfaction and endless craving, bringing suffering. This ancient wisdom aligns with modern neuroscience, which shows our never-ending dissatisfaction with money.