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There were times when a person who was hungry for bread could have died in the street, and someone who fell ill and had no money to pay doctors could be in danger of dying. Today, we have national insurance, health funds, and other state social systems. They are far from perfect, of course, but still, we have come a long way.
By definition, money is a means to cover a person’s needs and desires. As society progressed, we invented systems that take care of people’s life essentials. Public money comes from our taxes, but since the fund is general, everyone benefits. After all, not everyone needs hospitalization every day.
There are countries with excellent social conditions, such as free education from kindergarten to university and long maternity leaves. There are also countries that make each individual’s struggle with life much harder. In any case, at times when the economic situation becomes tighter, we need to find creative solutions.
Broadly speaking, the more the state accepts upon itself the responsibility of securing basic needs of human existence, such as food and shelter, the more ready we will be for the future. Experts predict that within a few years most of the population will remain jobless, computers and robots will take the place of work. If we do not prepare for such a scenario, reality will slap us in the face with great force.
In addition to preparation at the state level, there is much that can already be done right away, from below, in private organizations, apartment buildings, the neighborhood, and in the community. The following are some ideas that illustrate the potential of a connection of mutual complementarity.
Second-hand free giveaway markets. At home, everyone possesses either clothes, shoes, household utensils, or electrical appliances in good condition that they do not use. It is a shame for such goods and appliances to gather dust until we get tired of the space they take up and throw them in the trash. Others can benefit from them. It is thus worthwhile to organize give-and-take markets and small warehouses where we can lend out equipment to each other at the level of local communities.
Classes and professionals. Today, everyone pays a lot of money for classes and various professional services. Imagine if we managed to organize the classes ourselves, based on free time and the desire to contribute, without any payment. For example, a musician who has an hour or two free could give a music class once a week. Someone else would teach football, makeup, and so on. The same can be done also with professional help of trades people, designers, or consultations with lawyers, accountants, and psychologists. There is no one who cannot contribute something good of themselves to society, and it will be important to give public appreciation and recognition for such contributions.
Fruits and vegetables. It is possible to grow fruits and vegetables in the yard, on building roofs, in public spaces, and in neighborhood parks. Many people find it fun to take care of such an engagement, and it is also tasty and healthy. We can also make collective purchases of various products and receive discounted rates.
If we only sit and think together, we will find much that can be done and will save us money, cover our needs, and bring about mutual connection. Such processes will happen on their own if existential distress leaves no choice, but it is better to prevent such stresses and blows in advance.
Moreover, by engaging ourselves in such a way, we will develop a much warmer and more connected atmosphere. Also, it is likely that this kind of community engagement will form new friendships, and we will find ourselves organizing time together on weekends and holidays. Children growing up in this active community atmosphere will also become impressed by the process, absorbing socially-contributive examples and values, and we will feel how we become enriched not only from financial savings, but also in our inner feelings. The closer we come to one another, the more we will discover that there is a special harmonious force that enlivens and heals us in connection. This force gives a feeling of vitality and lifts the soul.
Nothing similar can be bought with money. What is money anyway, at its essence? Money represents purchasing power, the ability to provide for needs, to realize aspirations. Suppose we worked a few years, saved money, and bought a new car. For many, this is a dream come true. But within a short time span, as research shows, the excitement diminishes. We get into the car in the morning, start it, drive, everything in the car is already familiar, there is no renewal or amazement. It has passed.
For years we waited for this moment, We took loans that will hover over us for a long time, and what remains for us now? Only to worry, and to be anxious that no one will damage our car. What do we get from this?
This phenomenon happens in many aspects of life. We achieve something we really wanted, and the enjoyment from it fades after a short time. The new apartment we dreamed of for years becomes routine within a few months. The most delicious dish in the most luxurious restaurant loses its refined taste by the fourth bite. The phenomenon is very prominent in pleasure from sex. A peak moment, and then it is all over.
Enjoyment from positive connection with others is the only enjoyment that can be unceasing, and even increasingly grow. Why? It is because the enjoyment does not enter us personally, where it fades away upon the reception of the enjoyment. Instead, enjoyment of the ongoing kind is enjoyment from a state that is between us. We build it through mutual efforts to do good to one another, to live in love, and therefore it can serve as a source of abundance, security, joy, a high quality of life, and a new spirit.
Based on “New Life 64 – Money and the Social Network” with Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman. Written/edited by students of Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman.
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