Dr. Richard Boothby, a professor of philosophy at Loyola University Maryland and author of 'Blown Away: Refinding Life After My Son's Suicide', explores fascinating topics on the sacred and money. Topics include Freud & Lacan's perspective on das Ding, the development of religion, the human economy vs the market economy, and the symbolic value of money.
The transition from the human economy to the market economy shifted the focus from gifting and maintaining social bonds to monetary exchange and individual freedom, severing personal relationships.
Money in the market economy creates the illusion of individual freedom while masking the exploitation of low-wage workers and disconnecting individuals from their interconnectedness and interdependence with others.
Money enforces an individualistic mindset and undermines social bonds, prioritizing profit and self-interest over community and relationships, perpetuating a society that alienates and devalues human connections.
Deep dives
The Human Economy and the Market Economy
The podcast explores the transition from the human economy to the market economy and its impact on the concept of freedom. In the human economy, exchange was based on gifting, honoring relationships, and acknowledging status. It required individuals to second-guess the unknown in others and maintain ongoing social bonds. However, in the market economy, the focus shifted to monetary exchange based on bartering or purchasing goods. This atomized social sphere prioritized individual freedom, but it also severed personal relationships. Money played a crucial role in this transition, creating an illusion of self-sufficiency and isolating individuals from one another.
The Illusion of Freedom in the Market Economy
The podcast discusses the role of money in the market economy in reinforcing the illusion of individual freedom. The exchange of money, particularly in wage contracts, gives the perception that workers are free agents who enter into agreements voluntarily. However, this overlooks the fact that low-wage workers may effectively be paid slaves, receiving wages that barely cover the costs of their basic needs. Money creates the illusion of independence and masks the exploitation that may occur within capitalist societies. This anti-Christ nature of money enables the atomization of individuals and disconnects them from their interconnectedness and interdependence with others.
Money as a Disconnecting Force
Money is explored as a disconnecting force that enforces an individualistic mindset in society. In the market economy, money facilitates an extraction of personal connection and responsibility. It creates a perception that individuals are only accountable for themselves, and others' well-being is not their concern. Money assumes the qualities of a deity, but as an awful god, it promotes an anti-social and anti-human approach to relationships and community. This stands in stark contrast to the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love for one's neighbor and enemy. Money perpetuates an illusion of independence and freedom while enabling social and economic disparities.
Money as the Antichrist
The podcast delves into the idea of money as the Antichrist, as it hinders human connection and replaces it with individualism. Money undermines social bonds and reinforces a market economy that prioritizes profit and self-interest over community and relationships. By concealing the interconnectedness of individuals and perpetuating the illusion of independence, money acts as a symbol of a society that alienates and devalues human connections. This analysis invites a critical reflection on the role of money in society and its impact on human relationships and accountability.
Conclusion
The podcast concludes by prompting continued conversation and reflection on the role of money in our lives. It challenges listeners to question the societal structures that perpetuate the market economy, atomization, and exploitation. By recognizing the disconnecting nature of money and reevaluating our relationship to it, we can strive to build more compassionate and interconnected communities.
In this episode, I connect with Dr. Richard Boothby. This is the fourth episode exploring his wonderful book, Embracing the Void: Rethinking the Origin of the Sacred. Rick is a professor of philosophy at Loyola University Maryland. He is the author of several books, including Blown Away: Refinding Life After My Son's Suicide.
