The Genius of Money Part 3: An Interview with Jacob Needleman

Jacob Needleman is a professor of philosophy & the author of Money and the Meaning of Life. His interview with Mr. John Bloom served as a very interesting conversation regarding money and the relationship people have with it.  The most interesting remark Mr. Needleman made was that:

“The desire nature can be inflamed or turned into craving, or egoistic fantasy, so that it becomes what we call obsessed-where the body’s desires or social desires become the sole source of meaning. Then, desire becomes a problem and an illusion that one has to work to dispel, because one is trying to get from these desires something one can only get from a relationship with something higher in oneself. Desires are meant to serve a human being’s life, but they’re not the main aim in life.”

I think that these statements are so incredibly true and often overlooked. There is nothing wrong with having a desire to do/obtain something. However, when a person becomes obsessed with the “end result” and forgets about the trials, tribulations, and journey needed to achieve this result, they feel unsatisfied. The millennial generation is notoriously known for needing instant gratification and really struggle with the concept of embracing “the journey” and everything that comes with it. I agree that desires serve a purpose-they should drive people to push themselves to excel, and achieve great feats. Nevertheless, people should examine these desires and reflect upon their roots. People need to ask themselves: “Why do I want this? Why am I doing this? What is missing from my life that makes me believe that I should pursue this goal?” There are some things in life that, as Needleman states “one can only get from a relationship with something higher in oneself” (Bloom 118).