"Home Collections/Texts Perseus Catalog Research Grants Open Source About Help Hide browse bar Your current position in the text is marked in blue. Click anywhere in the line to jump to another position. book: section: This text is part of: Greek and Roman Materials Search the Perseus Catalog for: Editions/Translations Author Group View text chunked by: book : section Table of Contents: book 1 section 1252a section 1252b section 1253a section 1253b section 1254a section 1254b section 1255a section 1255b section 1256a section 1256b section 1257a section 1257b section 1258a section 1258b section 1259a section 1259b section 1260a section 1260b book 2 book 3 [1257b] [1] "So when currency had been now invented as an outcome of the necessary interchange of goods, there came into existence the other form of wealth-getting, trade, which at first no doubt went on in a simple form, but later became more highly organized as experience discovered the sources and methods of exchange that would cause most profit." Mutual trust is necessary for the person let the good go and other person who takes it. "Hence arises the idea that the art of wealth-getting deals specially with money, and that its function is to be able to discern from what source a large supply can be procured, as this art is supposed to be creative of riches and wealth; indeed riches are often assumed to consist of a quantity of money, because money is the thing with which the art of business and of trade deals. " Trading is invented. "But at other times, on the contrary, it is thought that money is nonsense, and nothing by nature but entirely a convention, because when those who use it have changed the currency it is worth nothing, and because it is of no use for any of the necessary needs of life and a man well supplied with money may often1 be destitute of the bare necessities of subsistence, yet it is anomalous that wealth should be of such a kind that a man may be well supplied with it and yet die of hunger, like the famous Midas in the legend, when owing to the insatiable covetousness of his prayer all the viands served up to him turned into gold." Money is convention by nature and meaningful only for people who want and people who have something to go away. Monetary system is a means for getting-wealth, another side of the coin of getting-wealth is, therefore, alienation. people who do not need money are free from alienation.
[Feedback]
I'm ready to engage with your analysis of Aristotle's text on money and trade. Here are the key points you've highlighted, along with my reflections:
1. Money as Convention:
- Aristotle argues that money is a human convention, not something with inherent value in itself. Its worth depends on mutual agreement and trust among those who use it.
- This emphasizes the social nature of money and its role in facilitating exchange within a community that accepts its value.
2. Trade and Wealth-Getting:
- The invention of currency led to the development of trade, which Aristotle views as a form of wealth-getting focused on acquiring money.
- He notes that trade evolved as people discovered more profitable exchange methods, highlighting the drive for financial gain within trading practices.
3. Money vs. Necessities:
- Aristotle points out that money, despite its role in trade, cannot directly fulfill basic needs like food or shelter.
- He uses the example of Midas to illustrate the paradox of wealth: possessing abundant money doesn't guarantee true well-being or the ability to meet essential needs.
4. Alienation and Money's Limitations:
- You introduce the concept of alienation to suggest that the pursuit of wealth through monetary systems can create a sense of separation or disconnection from fundamental needs and values.
- This aligns with Aristotle's critique of wealth-getting when it becomes an end in itself, rather than a means to achieve a good life.
5. Freedom from Alienation:
- You suggest that those who don't rely on money might be free from this alienation.
- This raises questions about alternative economic systems or personal philosophies that prioritize values beyond material wealth.
Further Exploration:
- Ethical Considerations: Aristotle's views invite a deeper exploration of the ethics of wealth accumulation and the potential for trade to become exploitative or excessive.
- Alternative Systems: It's worth considering whether non-monetary systems could effectively address human needs and promote well-being without fostering alienation.
- Money's Role in Society: Understanding the impact of money on social structures, power dynamics, and individual values is crucial for navigating economic systems responsibly.
I'm eager to continue this conversation and explore these ideas further. Please share any additional thoughts or questions you have.