“But it’s their ambition that makes some covet riches to enrich their status,” she said.
“And it’s the way some of them conjure up wealth to earn infamy that makes for the great human tragedy,” he said with apathy. “Endowed with enterprise and blessed with opportunities, these fortunate few get on to the social stage to stroll as colossuses. While some keep their course to fulfill their destiny, the unfortunate lose direction on their way to make a farce of their lives. Instead of working for the success of their ventures, the promoters siphon off funds to fail their firms
But that only makes it a double jeopardy for them. Why, for all their luxury living, won't they get branded as failures? As for their name recognition, ironically, they figure high in the list of crooks and cheats. For sure, they would not have bargained for ignominy while they first set themselves on the course of riches. In the end though, they would realize that their stolen wealth was but a jewel-less crown.”
“How sad!” she said in apparent agreement.
“It’s only half the story,” he said feeling sad himself. “Imagine what they could have done to society had they utilized their opportunities meaningfully. Maybe, they would have contributed to the country’s economy besides ensuring their own well-being. Instead, they help sink scarce resources into their sick units.
“Well, the same malady afflicts the politicians as well,” he continued in the same vein. “Sadly, political power is reduced to self-aggrandizement. It’s how the politicians miss the opportunity to achieve greater glory and instead earn the collective infamy. Oh, what difference they could make to the country with proper policy and direction! But, invariably they fail to see the obvious and miss the bus of public service!”
“That’s my worry with money,” she said as her apprehensions resurfaced, “for its corruptive influence.”
“Why blame money when it’s man’s attitude to it that is at the back of his misery?” he elucidated in hindsight. “If coveting wealth makes man go wayward, its disregard might push him into penury. Thus, the way to go about money is to seek opportunities, direct our efforts to achieve and take the monies that come with it. I feel this ethos would lead to man’s personal growth and help bring about the social good as well. Moreover, the infirm and the incapacitated still need a helping hand to survive, and naturally, it’s the rich that could come to their rescue. Here is our unique opportunity as the circumstances of life have induced an inclination for social service in us. And we have the backing of wealth to indulge in that pursuit.”