Talking about money seems a bit vulgar. Parents often bring it up in family matters, but outside the home, it becomes a private matter, regardless of the amount. Our school education doesn't include terms like "financial literacy."
Recently, I heard that this subject will be added to primary and secondary education, and I can only look on with envy. Like the emphasis on traditional education and the increase in classical Chinese texts in textbooks, I feel a sense of awe, and at the same time, a sense of crisis that the younger generation is formidable: their education is becoming increasingly systematic, humane, substantial, and useful.
It's probably like what my math teacher said when describing the hardships of studying in his time: "Comparison is the thief of joy; let's work harder to live our own lives well!"
I consider survival paramount. After all, we don't live in ancient times where men could easily sacrifice their lives for their country, where civil officials would commit suicide at the slightest disagreement, and where women restrained their desires, mutilated themselves to maintain their chastity, and were respected more for their suffering. Nor do we live in war-torn regions where safety is precarious, nor are we living during the Cultural Revolution. Therefore, everyone has an upward-looking perspective. As Lao Tzu said, "What people fear, one should not disregard." There's no reason not to consider survival and improving one's quality of life as the most important thing.
Even the most virtuous person, not being a deity, cannot rely solely on the essence of mountains, rivers, plants, the sun, and moon, or the aroma of wine and spirits to fill their stomach. They inevitably depend on material possessions in a narrow sense. To ensure material abundance, the division of labor in society becomes increasingly refined, and the frequent and complex exchange means that money not only doesn't disappear but becomes more prevalent, permeating every corner of life. Unless you retreat to a primitive, backward region untouched by private ownership and hierarchy, where you toil tirelessly for your own sustenance and pray for good weather, money will inevitably permeate your life, influencing your behavior, knowledge, limiting your development, and impacting the strength and breadth of your thoughts—in other words, its influence.
A fundamental aspect of a sound money philosophy is acknowledging that mainstream values no longer endorse a dilapidated aesthetic or advocate for extreme self-torture. We promote a holistic view of life characterized by diligent learning and positive self-improvement. Secondly, it acknowledges the spiritual role of earning money in life, avoiding blindly emulating the hermit lifestyle of Tao Yuanming. It elevates the money philosophy to a philosophical level. Philosophy, of course, shouldn't be about building magnificent theoretical palaces while residing in dilapidated huts; it should have the power to change objective reality. Since money is so pervasive and deeply ingrained, elevating it to a philosophical level is a requirement of both practice and thought. Establishing a correct money philosophy and possessing high financial intelligence will be standards for judging talent in the new era.
Those who avoid discussing money certainly lack a sound money philosophy. The importance of money is a consensus, but few know how to use it properly or how to earn it. For example, my parents came from the poverty of the Cultural Revolution. Their spending, besides ensuring the family's basic needs were met and their children's education, was solely for a comfortable retirement, saving money for the future. Many young people have simply upgraded their lives a bit, adding a few trips a year and sending their children to better schools, still working hard to earn money, just for a stable life. People around me rarely read books on economics, finding them unfathomable and irrelevant to their lives.
I admit everyone goes through a period of worrying about money and exchanging labor for wages, but do we live solely to exchange money for a stable life, striving for that stability? Of course not. Everyone has a need for self-actualization.
Financial intelligence is understanding that money is a means, and striving to develop that means. Just as writers can wield words to achieve multiple uses, you should understand their origins, development, and role. Turn money into the wings of your dreams, strive to acquire it, utilize it, learn other ways of connecting, learn to interact with people, rationally utilize and cherish all resources around you, maintain a sharp mind, keen insight, and high vigilance, and live a fulfilling life. Know clearly that the road ahead will become wider and wider.
I believe this is the core concept in modern society: when you can use money to unleash your life philosophy, knowledge, and all your talents, you will have real influence and dynamism, and be able to mobilize your own enthusiasm to relentlessly strive for your dreams.
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