We live in a society that equates success with monetary worth. This gives rise to serious problems, because it allows us to undervalue the importance of extraordinary portions of our life that don't have a direct or easily measurable dollar value.When we hear someone say "she's very successful," it is almost always shorthand for "she makes a lot of money." We never stop to ask about the other dimensions of the person's life. Is she generous? Is she a good friend? Is she loving? Is she honest? The notion that a successful life is comprised of more than financial abundance is something with which almost all of us would agree, but the culture as a whole has reduced success to this simple measure. We have the same single-pointedness when we talk about institutions and organizations.
The detriments of this perspective are myriad. When value is equated with monetary worth, the pursuit of money becomes paramount. Prudence and moderation become bad ideas. The concept of "enough" vanishes. Greed becomes a good idea, because the person with the most money is most highly valued and "successful." Corporations that devour natural resources, spew out tons of toxins, and abuse human rights are admired because of their astonishing profitability. The culture hurtles forward, careening further and further off course in pursuit of money (and the power and fame that come with it.)
Stopping this reckless ride will require a dialog about our values and their true measure. It will be an upstream swim against our culture and the media that aid and abet the "money=success" mentality by providing us with an endless stream of information about the rich, the glamorous, and the powerful. But it can and must be done. Let's start the conversation.
4 comments:
`The concept of "enough" vanishes.'
This phrase in Clay's post hit me hard. I often have trouble knowing if I have done enough, cared enough, tried hard enough or earned enough to stop and breathe.
On one level, this problem is mine and based on something inside me.
On another level, however, I think it comes from living in a society that has become a cult of the individual. We are, as individuals, supposed to be responsible for our own health, welfare, education, and safety. No where in this system is there room for community support.
I think that no matter what the investment companies and politicians tell us, this level of independence and self reliance is impossible for all but a few to achieve. The betetr optoion, for the rest of us, would be found in group efforts that allow us t be both contributors and recipients of support.
Of course this option would require that we respect that most dreaded of all species -- community organizers
Michael -- thanks for the insightful comment. I think you've hit a very important point. The more we feel we have to "do it all on our own," the less likely we are to have a sense of security and abundance.
This was helpful reflect on...the financial crisis and subsequent evaporation of savings has been very disturbing. I have to remember that my self worth is not tied to the numbers in a bank account. And let the problems of today be enough for themselves. It's hard work acting like the lilies of the field :-)
Great blog, Clay. I'm really enjoying reading this and hope you come back soon to write more. On The Single Metric - well, I can't help but go straight to thoughts about my children and how I define my success as a mother. Since they are very much "works in progress", only time will tell. But, I will consider myself successful if they grow up to be happy adults - happy with who they are and happy with their lives and the results from all of the choices they will have made - some with and some without my/our guidance. Keep writing!
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