Money or Power?

[Jason Tandro]

The age old question. Would you rather have tons of money (like be a multi-billionaire) who nobody knows or cares about or would you rather have immense power and fame but no real money (i.e. you make like 6-digits annually, but you're the head of a huge company)?

For me, I don't need to be in charge. If I had that much money, I wouldn't have to do anything pretty much. All my time would be my own. Sure I wouldn't be a big shot, but that would almost be a selling point for me.

[tay120n64]

It's kind of a moot question, really.

If you have one, you can easily get the other. So the question really, is would it be easier for you personally to attain Power with Money, or Money with Power?

[EverPhoenix]

if its power as per your example, ill take the cash.

if the power was magic or something like that... screw the cash, i want to throw fireballs

[Freedan]

Power is overrated. It sounds good on paper, but it just causes stress and pressure. And if people don't like how you're using it, they'll overthrow you and shit.

Money is always cool.

Money may not buy happiness, but it sure does buy a lot of other stuff.

[tay120n64]

[psychokind]

power! who cares about money! mankinds and especially mens oldest instinct, striving for power; greed, might, force! power is what feeds you, what keeps you alive and hardens your soul, body and heart. there is nothing more important and satisfying than achieving power, and seeing the power grow in your sons hands.

besides, enough money comes along with power, but not always vice versa.

[Yet One More Idiot]

Assuming the choice is a straight dichotomy, and you're only allowed to have power XOR money (but not both), then I shall choose the money.

Having power - political power, corporate power, any sort of authority - is just exhausting. Business execs typically burn out long before they reach retirement, because their posts are so tiring.

Money obviously can't buy you happiness directly, but it can buy all the stuff you want in your life that will (hopefully at least) make you happy. And if something doesn't make you happy, then you can go and buy something else, see if that works.

[Jason Tandro]

Let's take a look at the average billionaire's life:

1. Living in a great home that he owns.
2. Driving a couple of awesome, exotic cars.
3. Either married to a beautiful woman or has women clawing over him (granted this may not be true love, but its a fun distraction).
4. Having whatever he wants at his fingertips.
5. Able to take care of his family without worrying about bills.
6. Can live a life which is basically a vacation.
7. Has no true responsibility but several privileges.


If this isn't happiness, then nobody can be happy. Sure, true happiness comes from a well-defined purpose or station in life, and of course love (and not just the love of a girlfriend or wife, but of family too, like children). But just because your rich doesn't neccesarily mean your wife will only like you because of your money.

Actually what I'd do is disguise my wealth when I'm on the dating scene. I'd treat the girl, of course, but I'd drive my least nice of my nice exotic cars, get the know the girl I'm dating. And when I'm convinced she's the one, be like "Oh, by the way, I'm rich."

Of course, that could backfire too, like the girl not thinking I trusted her enough to let her know this before. It's a complicated thing... Mo Money, Mo Problems...

[EverPhoenix]

Jason Tandro wrote:

"Oh, by the way, I'm rich."

just dont tell her otherwise, lol. and thats a good plan, filters out the gold diggers