Poverty is Evil
by Randy Gage
“Run for your life from any man who tells you that money is evil. That sentence is the leper’s bell of an approaching looter.”
Those words come from the character Francisco d’Anconia in Ayn Rand’s seminal novel, Atlas Shrugged. Today is a good time to visit this, because part one of the movie adaptation opens April 15 in limited release. We’ve had a lot of discussion about the book recently and those posts demonstrate how insidious and prevalent the negative mind viruses about money are.
That meme “money is evil” is just one of a number of fallacies about money. Here are some common myths about money and the actual reality:
Myth: Money is evil.
Reality: Poverty is evil. It causes people to lie, cheat, steal and even kill. There is nothing noble or spiritual about poverty.
Myth: Money changes you.
Reality: Money doesn’t change you; it reveals who you are.
Myth: Rich people lie, cheat and steal.
Reality: People lie, cheat and steal. And truth is, rich people have less cause to do so. I remember flying the Concorde, waiting in the special lounge and needing to use the rest room. My carry-on luggage had passport, tickets, and about $10,000 in various currencies, but I didn’t want to schlep it to the bathroom. Thinking about it, I decided that the people in the lounge were all rich and they didn’t need to steal my stuff. So I left it. Try that in the subway station!
Myth: You need money to make money.
Reality: You need an idea to make money. No one has a money shortage, only an idea shortage. As Atlas Shrugged demonstrates so well, prosperity is created by solving challenges, and creating value.
Myth: Rich people only think about money.
Reality: Rich people almost never have to think about money. Poor people have to think about it all the time.
Myth: Rich people are stuck up and snobby.
Reality: Personally I see a lot more poor people who are jealous, judgmental, and condescending towards rich people than the other way around. Most wealthy people I know support a lot of causes to help the less fortunate.
Myth: Star athletes and CEOs are overpaid.
Reality: No one comes to the football stadium to see the owners, managers, or trainers. Stars sell tickets, which sustain their sports and provide the incomes for everyone else. Corporate CEOs run companies and are responsible for the profitability that provides return to stockholders, products or services to the market, and jobs for employees.
Myth: It is the responsibility of people farther ahead of you to help you, and it is your moral prerogative to help those less fortunate than you.
Reality: This is just a racket run by the looters and co-dependents. Now personally I hope you do help those less fortunate than you, and I do a great deal myself. But you should do it because you desire to, it brings you happiness, and those you help are deserving of the assistance.
Myth: Prosperity has nothing to do with money. If you are healthy and have good relationships, you’re prosperous.
Reality: Certainly health and loving relationships are part of prosperity. But if you have to worry about making the mortgage or your car payment, that is not true prosperity.
Myth: Spiritual leaders and social workers should subsist on a meager existence so there’s more money for their causes.
Reality: Personally I want my minister to be driving a Bentley or Lamborghini, because that tells me that he or she is qualified to teach the true spiritual principles of prosperity. And if you have a cause that is near and dear to your heart, wouldn’t you want to create a benefit package that would attract the very best candidates to apply? Having the best person running the organization is ultimately what will help the most people.
So what do you think about all this? Do you agree or disagree? And what are some other myths about money?
And be sure and find a theatre showing Atlas Shrugged! Then check back and let us know what you think!
-RG
Randy, great post.
If a person likes his profession or a hobby - money does not matter! If a person feels comfortable in his situation - he does not want anything more.
This is one of the ignorant things I have ever read. Poverty is not evil. Neither is money. People are evil from the very richest and to very poorest. Also consider that there's many types of evil. As you mentioned above, you left all your belongings in the lounge because you knew no one would steal it. That doesn't make these people saints. You don't know if they go home to beat their wives or hire child prostitutes or even worse. There is poor people who steal to support their families and make sure their children have food to eat and a warm bed to sleep in. Is that evil? Is it?
"Money doesn't change you; it reveals who you are."
If you need money to "reveal who you really are" then you're materialistic and incredibly ignorant.
And why to people bring religion into this? I hope they know if you really, REALLY follow the bible and all of it's rules you wouldn't be able to even use a computer, drive a car, cut your hair, wear flashy clothes, ect. You'd have to live a simple life to be a "true Christian".
If you think money is all there is to life, then you are a damned fool.
I just want to add something to this wonderful post. Poverty is a mindset. Just because you do not have a sound financial system in place, does not mean you have to be impoverished. It does not mean you have to make poor choices, it does not mean that you can not live a fulfilling life.
It means you have to learn to make good choices that are within your means. Choices are something that we all can control and our bank account has nothing to do with it. Wealthy people make very poor choices. Having a large amounts of money does not determine your happiness. It is your choices in life that determine your happiness. If you choose to learn self-development, to put to use the things you learn to improve your life, you will grow and become prosperous. Choose wisely.
Don't understand why humans gotta have money to stay ALIVE in this world..Pretty Crazy
For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. - 1 Timothy 6:10
Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. - 1 Timothy 6:17
Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. - 1 Timothy 6:18
Great article as usual Randy.
For far too long too many of us have bought into the lies about prosperity and money. Money is not evil and those who desire to be prosperous are in most cases not greedy or criminals. Many persons allow a lack mentality to keep them down in life.
Hey Elizabeth.i like da facts uve given us about money.ill try put them i practice.nice day nthanks.
Great! Was waiting on this post! would not have read this book if you would not have talked 'bout it long ago :)
Spread the word people 'bout Atlas Shrugged, they still need to make money & we need also to bring the movie to Europe!!! (see group on facebook 'bout that)
Also the novel is now in the top 10 on Amazon bestseller's list (top 100), coming from rank 75 last thursday :) even captured it on my blog, such a great news!
Randy,
Great post as always!!!
Thanks again Randy.
Saying this because it's funny, but there is some truth to it.
If we learned anything from James Bond movies is that being evil means fabulous clothing and awesome art and furniture in well-designed (for the 60s) homes.
However, the films teach us that the villains only have these things because they're willing to exploit and kill people to get them. (and sometimes hold the world hostage.)
And that's better to be more like James Bond and defend the status quo. (Sean Connery is the best Bond IMO)
Wonderful post Randy.
The statement "poverty is a sin" causes a lot of people to squirm.
"Atlas Shrugged" is a perfect example of what people can do when they get together.
Unfortunately people working together - and collectivist leaders like John Galt - are exactly what she stood against - and testified against when she was a "friendly witness" at the HUAC trials.
Just thought of another phrase - taken from the Bible - but with a better take on it to my mind:
'The love of money is the root of all evil!'
Better...'The lack of money is the root of all evil!'
Randy, when you share your insightful wisdom on prosperity it brings us full circle back into reality and why we are here.....to share our gifts and talents with the world. We are spirits in human form expressing ourselves through ideas turned into energy that is shared with others. An idea is a gift to us from the universe when shared we receive money. There is nothing that can be done without giving and receiving energy in the form of money for an idea coming from a service or product. If we understand and live by universal laws as shared in a quote from Rev Ike, "The best way to help a poor person is to not become one" is how you live life to its fullest.
Hi Randy,
what is about that one:
"Behind every great fortune lies a great crime".
Honore de Balzac ?
Could you please comment?
Thx
Another myth and horrendous mind virus!
-RG
Great Post.
Wrong-headed people see money as evil
I made a "mind movie" to change my beliefs about money... it includes music, affirmations and pictures. I have the link as my website if you would like to see it or use it ( watch daily to help manifest your dreams).
great post RG
You know how to buzz a important topic like this. It's easy to blame others. Money is bad? Not!
Wonderful... you nailed it with this one Randy. It's a shame how these myths hold people back from their true potential, simply because they've been fed false information since childhood!
Namaste' my friend ~ Gary
Well, Randy, I agree with your ideas more than disagree, but have you ever thought that different nationalities have their own views about money? I'm from Russia and I can say that a lot of rich russian people are thinking about it in another way. It's not money that brings happiness, but a lot of money does. If you earn lots of money, every day you need more and more...and you can't stop it. They order the murder of their competitors 'cause one day someone crossed their road in business...It's very popular here, in Russia I mean. We have another ideas about money. We don't like rich people 'caus we don't believe in "honest money". We love to say that "money doesn't smell". It means that it doesn't matter what exactly you do for earning money...Cheat, kill, steal... Whatever...The most of our entrepreneurs privatized our national riches in 1990th(after the Soviet Union collapsed)and now you can find them in the "A-list". It was an illegal way of privatization when you could buy a factory for a trifling sum...Now you understand in which way the leds are growing... From the past... "Gazprom", "Norilsky Nikel", "Rusoil",etc...We don't have a middle class like America has. 30% of russian people are living below the poverty line. And they can't do smth 'cause our goverment doesn't want to help them. Just only 2-5% are really rich persons. I mean their incomes are more than 5000$ per month.
I have spent a lot of time in Russia, and there certainly is a gap between the very wealthy and the millions struggling. But I don't believe these beliefs mentioned above are serving you.
Remember true prosperity - which includes money, material things, love, health and spiritual sustenance - is always a value-for-value exchange. It only comes from living by spiritual laws.
-RG
Of course not! I'm not a rich girl, but earns enough money for my living. I just want to say that sometimes we're in captivity of external circumstances and can't be free. It's not a dream, Randy, very often it's our cruel reality. But anyway, I trust you 'cause I have a lot of experienсes in my life as you have. And I know: If you really want something, just do it! Thanks))))
Julia K. From Russia with best regards
Hi Julia, I'm from Mexico.
My sister in law is from Rusia, and I hear this history you are telling from her, but it is trufe that this believes doesn't serve you... There ALL true, no matter in which country you live.
I've been in Network Marketing for 11 years and I've some group there in Rusia. People who were poor and now they are earning a lot of many
sorry... my mistake
I was saying:
... they are earning a lot of money helping others to get out of poverty.
It is HONEST money, earned honestly, there, in Rusia.
May be, what the people in the new Rusia has to learn is HOW they can be more than they are now. How they can bring more value to the market place. How they can help other, and by helping others, help themselves.
We are more influenced by the internal circumstances than the external circumstances.
What we think is what we are.
(And sorry for my bad english).
Greetings from Mexico: Enrique.
Poverty is Evil...Money is even more Evil...if you don't need them, send it to me. EVIL
I gotta say that you are right on the ball with this list.
I wonder what beliefs are in people to cause them to live in a non-prosperous way?
My favourite answer: No one has a money shortage, only an idea shortage.
That's so great, it's like the story you should read just before you go to bed. Thanks Randy!
Wow...I'm so far down here at the bottom, I feel like I missed a party or something.
Just wanted to say, as always, your write the the truth!
Great stuff, Mr. Gage!
MS
Randy, I love your post today. I wholeheartedly agree with your comment that money just makes you more of what you already are - that it amplifies who you are.
I've heard some people say that they're not materialistic - that's a classic warning sign for me to stay away! Money affects everything that's important in life, so it sure does matter.
To those of you that would like some positive programming on wealthy people, watch the movie 'The Blind Side' with Sandra Bullock. It's outstanding.
Having Money is OK, if it makes you happy. Being happy without money is even better. That way when you don't have it (which we all go through at times) we can still find things to do and enjoy life without it.
Money should be used as a tool to enhance peoples lives, not necessarily only the life of the creator of it but all people.
That's why Network Marketing is such a powerful concept, Creating wealth happens by helping others create wealth.
Charity is OK if it gives someone a leg up but once they are standing they need to learn to walk on their own.
Hi fellow boggers,
I have tried to give inspiration to all of you with what wisdom I have been given to give but I need to ask something of you tonight. With all my wisdom, success and understanding about life, I have experieced a serious loss tonight. I believe that god does not give us any more than we can handle and I believe that, but I ask all of you to pray for me tonight for the strength to get thought an unimaginable loss. I am in so much pain. Please pray for me that God give me the strength to endure this. Thank you. M-E
Absolutely! Sending you thoughts of hope, healing and highest good.
-RG
Oh Mary-Ellen,
Holding you softly; praying; sending you Love.
K
Mary-Ellen, so sorry for your loss.
Dear Mary-Ellen!
So sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do to help tell me. I'm a good listener. If you need to talk feel free to call me (004586821129). I send you loads of positive thoughts!
Lene
May peace be with you, Mary ellen.
Mary Ellen,
It's been a few days now and i pray that all is well with you. i only just found your comment now. But you are no alone in this. You are never alone. EVER.. This is your time to FEEL.. the truth that you are never ALONE.. I pray you are feeling better today. xo
Randy.. Your post is outstanding.. this is breakthrough thinking and will free many.. thank you.
The poverty mindset is surely evil. I worked a part time job for over a year dealing with children within foster care and within state custody. The parents and some of the foster parents were the most messed up people I have ever met. I was always astonished by the way they presented themselves and the victim mentality that went along with the lifestyle. I recently left the job. I just really could not take it anymore. The children were fine; it was the parents. I saw the other side of the tracks and it is not pretty. Poverty is evil and it poisons.
As with any accomplishments that the human being is persistent with, and if faith comes into play, let it be faith driven, and not money driven. There are no "roots" in money, its whether you choose to build with it and then it will take roots, which, at that point, you will be prosperous.
I don't watch the news. However a friend of mine posted, on FB, an article from TMZ the other day about a celebrity who had turned down a request from the Make a Wish Foundation. The angle the report took, as well as my friend, was how dare she, living in "The Hamptons", being a celebrity, and making a ton of money say no to a charity. I said to my friend where she lived had nothing to do with it. She is free to make her choices like anyone else. My friend didn't agree with me.She felt because of "her status" in life, she was obligated to say yes, it was the least she could do.
I think it's interesting the news lead with this to get the people on their side and mad at the celebrity!
A conversation came up in our car today among my children (8 and 3) and myself about money. We were discussing that you could not eat money, and I said money was dirty and full of germs. Even as the words were coming out of my mouth I was thinking,"I don't want them to think money is dirty and full of germs." I quickly clarified that I was speaking of the potential for paper money and coins to have germs from being handled by many people... not "money" in general being dirty and full of germs.
I would have never thought to clarify that thought before I started evaluating memes, viruses, myths, etc. "When you know better, you do better." I am certainly working teach my kids to "know better", so they can "better". They are my legacy.
I just downloaded Atlas Shrugged to my computer last night! About to start listening.
Believing the Best!
Hi Randy!
This is a great post. Fortunately I am very aware of these false data about money, since you made me aware of them and how that controles you if you are not. I remember one that impressed me very much as a child, and I did not understand why it could be like this "It is as impossible for a rich person to go to heaven, as it is for a camel to crawl through an eye of a needle". I actually spent a lot of time wondering about that one. It is easier to recognice these when money is directly mentioned, but I also discovered more hidden ones like "don't aim TOO high" or "be realistic". these also influence this area, and kind of kill your dreams to make something of yourself. I'm really changing my life right now, and I got so many positive things happening with this. I also tried what you sugested in one of your videos, it is the one where you tell about in stead of bills you call it blessings already recieved. I wrote my creditors angel, and it worked. Actually I use a lot of your exelent advice, and it has made a huge difference. Thank You!
I totally agree poverty is evil, lack of money traps you in a rut.
Money is energy, it does not change people but it makes life easier, such as allowing you to go to places and purchase goods, in reality it opens doors for you that have been previously shut.
In other words every one benefits and so does the world economy.
Thanks Randy!
I agree, the more rich people in the World as you, the better World will be!
There's no such thing as "good" and "evil"... those are just stories we make up as humans. Money just is. It has nothing to with morality, good, evil or god. My opinion.
and this is why I LOVE you, Randy! I first heard you in Florida this past January... this is a huge limiting belief you help me tear down! :)
My absolute favorite line in this post ...
Money doesn’t change you; it reveals who you are.
So simple and so profound.
Money is a tool ... It is a magnifier. It is energy that gives us power to CREATE. How we use it and which direction we focus that energy certainly provides the world insight to our values, our character ... even our agendas!
If we value beauty, we will create long-term beauty. If we are still lost in our vices ... we will chase them ever faster, down a short, dead-end road.
It's about choices - which is why I believe all the work we do on our internal landscape as we grow towards manifesting our external prosperity serves us so well once we arrive at the space where we are ready to embrace it.
LOVE this post.
K
Hi Randy,
I'm from Chile and here is often used this :
"I,m poor but honest"
and this one:
"reach people do not go to heaven"
I grew up hearing phrases like these, but I work every day to change those ideas in my mind.
Best regards and hugs
XSD
Glad you're aware of them. they are very insidious and prevalent mind viruses.
-RG
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