Living in a Money World: Are We Advancing or Just Consuming?

    We live in a world where nearly every aspect of life is tied to money, from basic survival—food, housing, healthcare—to what we can dream or do. For many, the idea of working solely to make money feels far removed from a life with real meaning. Imagine if we could spend our time freely, pursue creativity, and focus on our communities. Yet this dream is out of reach for most, as survival itself is attached to our income.

We're told that work moves society forward and that all of these advancements in technology and products are proof of progress. But with so much focus on the new and profitable, have we actually moved forward, or are we just producing more things to consume? Society’s innovations often feel empty, solving superficial issues rather than addressing real needs. We have endless gadgets, ways to enhance convenience, and the latest entertainment options—but when was the last time we saw a truly innovative solution to reduce housing prices, make health care more accessible, or solve income inequality?

Health Care: A System Designed for Profit Over People

Consider health care as an example. This essential system is focused on treatments that can be marketed, not necessarily those that truly cure or are affordable. Many health solutions are temporary fixes, designed to generate ongoing revenue rather than eliminate illness at its root. The profit motive overshadows the human motive, and as a result, health care is another area where "advancement" has created new products without solving fundamental issues.

Are We Really Advancing?

When we look at our products and services, we might wonder: why are there so many innovations that don’t make a difference in our daily lives? We have brands competing to create the latest, most unique version of a simple item—a new way to open a can, a new line of beverages—but we don’t have a product that lowers housing costs, makes rent affordable, or tackles homelessness. These advancements beg the question of who they’re really for and why we aren’t advancing where it matters most.

How Do We Move Forward?

If our progress is to be meaningful, we have to ask for what purpose we are advancing. A world where people feel trapped by their finances, unable to focus on what they love or pursue goals beyond survival, may look "advanced" in some ways but lack a true sense of progress. Here are some ideas for moving forward:

• Basic Needs First: Systems that address essential needs like housing and healthcare could alleviate constant financial pressures.
• Universal Basic Income (UBI): Though complex to implement, UBI could empower people to explore life with less focus on mere survival, providing financial stability without a direct attachment to work.
• Shift from Consumption to Community: Society could redefine success to focus on overall well-being rather than constant growth and consumption, prioritizing innovations that directly impact the quality of life.
• Opening New Pathways for Progress: By shifting away from a money-centered model, we can build a system where healthcare, housing, innovation, and basic needs aren’t bottlenecked by financial gain. This reimagined system would channel resources into meaningful progress: affordable housing solutions, universal healthcare, accessible education, and open innovation platforms. With survival no longer tied to income, people could focus on contributions that advance society—whether through the arts, sciences, community building, or other areas of value. It’s about real progress: fostering advancements that serve people, solve critical problems, and make a lasting impact on future generations.

Rethinking Progress for a Better Future

As society continues to "advance," it’s crucial to rethink what kind of progress we truly value. A world centered on profit-driven growth is often more beneficial to corporations than to people. For progress to be meaningful, it needs to extend beyond consumer products and address the needs that affect real people. If our society’s best advancements can’t touch core issues like housing and healthcare, it’s time to ask ourselves what we’re really progressing toward—and whether we can create a future where success is about human well-being rather than endless production and consumption.