A German Perspective on Money

At our time at the “Geldmuseum'“, or the money museum, we were given interesting insights into how Germans view money itself, as well as an in depth history of money and its practical uses and evolution. We all can say a driving force for our career pursuits for the most part is tied to the idea of making good money. It is in our nature to want to have money, since it can be a representation of success and prestige.

Taking a look back in time when money was a much more physical form, that being actual precious metals such as gold or silver, it did boast for the average man at that time a sense of prestige. We all know the story of King Midas and his golden touch which showed the thought process of ancient humans and a very real sentiment that is held today. If we know the story of King Midas we also know the moral of the story as well. Money can inspire individuals, but it can also corrupt and great greed.

This is an image in the Geldmuseum and it is a representation of the Devil haunting a man who has not paid his debts.

There are questions we should ask ourselves when talking about the construct of money. Why do I want to have a lot of money? What will I do with this money? Who does this money serve? I saw an amazing quote by Francis Bacon in the museum that said “Money is a great servant, but a bad master”. I think this quote alone can sum up the German perspective on money. The way they portrayed the social construct of money was very though provoking to me, and I left the museum with many new ideas and thoughts.

From funding wars to creating institutions for the betterment of a community money can take shape in may forms. It can be destructive and violent, or it can be a beacon for creativity and compassion. Money has no opinions or thoughts, but its user does. We can choose to see money as a luxury or we can chose the see money as a responsibility, but that choice is completely up to you.