Economics of Mahaveera

Author(s): Mahapragna Acharya
Publisher: Adarsh Sahitya Sangh

Page 21

THE CENTRAL FOCUS: MAN OR MONEY
It is only passion. Today's advertisements arouse such passions that what is unnecessary is made necessary. By seeing these around, it appears that without using or enjoying those means, we cannot live a normal life. The passion gets generated through advertisements.
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Man has attraction for luxury. He makes maximum efforts to satisfy his desire for luxury. To acquire means of luxury, a lot of money is required. Money nourishes this tendency in man.
Another objective is fame and status in society, or the satisfaction of the ego. Even if there is no need, many articles are purchased for satisfying one's ego.
Who Is the Focal Point?
In the context of these principles, let us ponder over the issues of economic policy. The central point is which economic system makes man the primary target and which makes money the principal target. In some cases man becomes secondary and money becomes the dominant factor. To the extent we are clear about this difference between the primary and the secondary, we would be able to comprehend the truth properly. We will have to determine what is the position of man and what is the position of wealth on the focal point of economic thinking.
Uncontrolled Desire
The basic hypothesis of Modern Economics is that uncontrolled desire alone can lead to welfare and development. Where the desire is controlled, development will be obstructed. In a state of uncontrolled desires, man will be pushed to the periphery and the money would take the centrestage.
Limitless Wants
For wants as well, the same theory is applicable. The formula of Modern Economics is: Stimulate infinite expansion of wants; do not control them at any point. With this dispensation, man becomes peripheral and money becomes the central force.