Self-interest

Author: Xu Jianhua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features:
In the Western Jin Dynasty, Lu Bao wrote an essay titled "On the Nature of Money," in which he described money as follows:
"Dear as a brother, it is called Kong Fang. Without it, one becomes poor and weak; with it, one becomes rich and strong. It flies without wings, walks without feet, softens stern faces, and opens difficult mouths. Those with more money stand before, while those with less follow. Wherever money is valued, there is no bad fortune—why must one read books to become wealthy? From this argument, one could call it a divine object. Without a position, it commands respect; without power, it generates heat. It pushes through red gates and enters purple halls. Wherever money is, danger can be turned into safety, and death can be reversed to life. Wherever money departs, nobility can be reduced to humility, and life can be turned into death. Therefore, in disputes and lawsuits, without money, one cannot win; for the isolated and oppressed, without money, they cannot be liberated; for grievances and hatreds, without money, they cannot be resolved; for praise and laughter, without money, they cannot be expressed. Money can even make ghosts obey, let alone humans? Zixia said, 'Life and death are fated, wealth and honor are in heaven.' But I believe that life and death are not fated, and wealth and honor are in money. How can I prove this? Money can turn misfortune into fortune, transform failure into success, bring safety to the dangerous, and restore life to the dead. The length of life, the level of wealth and status—all depend on money. What does heaven have to do with it? Heaven has its weaknesses, but money has its strengths. The four seasons run their course, and all things grow—money cannot match heaven. In opening up barriers and overcoming obstacles, in uplifting the poor and helping the needy—money surpasses heaven. Therefore, it is said: 'A ruler without wealth cannot attract people; a ruler without rewards cannot retain them.' Precisely for this reason, since ancient times, people have regarded money as a demon king, using dragon and phoenix scripts, heavenly books, and talismans to lock it away. 'The generation of the celestial master of the classics personally added a seal, so that his descendants dared not dare to open it—the demon king would flee, and it would be extremely dangerous!' This book tells just such a story—a private person daringly opens a bank, and indeed, it becomes extremely profitable."