“MONEY IS NOT AN INCENTIVE!”
(Originally published 19 November 1997 in the “Neighborhood Journal”. Posted 06 October 2007.)
That is my new catch phrase of the month. Whenever I start getting down thinking about the things I need but can’t afford, I keep repeating this phrase over and over and over to myself to remind myself why I go though the daily grind only to find myself in a constant state of pennilessness.
“Money is not an incentive!”
If that is true, then tell me, what, pray tell, is? Call me cynical, but I just can’t buy it when I hear folks say that they are not working for the money, but for “the enjoyment.” Yeah, right. I really believe it.
I’m sorry, did my cynicism get away from me? Perhaps it’s because just about every person that I know is motivated by money. They may not want you to know that, and will speak with platitudes such as, “Money is not an incentive,” but it is merely a ruse, be it out of ego (“Look at what I did! Pat me on the back!”) or embarrassment (“I’m ashamed to admit that I am greedy and shallow”).
Here is a profound Schraderian life truth. Remember this, it is important. Are you ready? Most people are motivated by either: (a) money; (b) ego. Yes I am speaking in generalities, and there are exceptions (thus, the use of MOST instead of ALL).
Of course, for some, this truth is rather embarrassing. After all, to be motivated by either money or ego is, well, rather shallow, and, well, who wants to be shallow? And others have no problem acknowledging this truth. Still others will flaunt the truth.
I will readily admit that I am shallow, that I am motivated by money and ego. And I wouldn’t sit here and tell you that I am not; that would be rather bogus and dishonest, I think. Yes, I like money, and I would like to have more money. (Only legal money; it’s not worth becoming some guy’s wife in jail over.) And I like to stroke my ego, too. If I don’t, who will? So as long as I can either gain financial or ego rewards, I’m raring to go.
Yes, this is rather shallow. But this is the way it is. What about doing things for the betterment of mankind, you ask? What about it? Sure, there are a lot of “do-gooders” running about (or should that be amok), but what are their motivations for doing good deeds? On the highways there are the large signs broadcasting to the world who has picked up the litter (ego); don’t forget plaques, certificates, and other such engravings (ego); ah yes, the ever-present tax write-off (money).
But there is nothing wrong with this! This is who we are. We are creatures who are seeking reward and recognition for a job well done! As long as we admit as such. Now repeat after me: “I am motivated by ego and money, and that’s okay. If you don’t like it, tough.”
I have been asked how I can live with myself being shallow. Well, it’s really quite simple. Shallowness has its advantages. For example, I don’t lose a bit of sleep at night worrying that some person is chopping down some tree in the rain forest. Does it really affect me and my own little world? No. Do I really care then? No.
Do I judge a book by its cover? Yes. I admit it. But so do most other folks, too. Why do you think companies spend so much on advertising? It’s packaging, and the one with the slicker package sells more. If that were not the case, then there would be no effort. Every item would have a plain black and white label. There would not be any television commercials feature attractive, half-clad young women.
Let’s face it. If you had to buy a product from a hideously ugly person, or an attractive person, which would you buy from? Come on, now. Admit it. The attractive one.
If your boss came up to you and offered you a raise, would you turn it down? “I don’t need a raise, because money does not motivate me. I am motivated by the fact that I am helping humanity.”
I would take the raise in a blink of an eye. And, if you don’t want it, I’ll take yours, too. Of course, I have been told that I am shallow. That’s alright; I’d rather be shallow and financially secure than deep and destitute. Shallowness has its privileges.