In “What’s a business for?” the article states, “Markets rely on rules and laws, but those rules and laws in turn depend on truth and trust. Conceal truth or erode trust, and the game becomes so unreliable that no one will want to play. The markets will empty and share prices will collapse, as ordinary people find other places to put their money – into their houses, maybe, or under their beds. The great virtue of capitalism – that it provides a way for the savings of society to be used for the creation of wealth.” The article points to scandals and dishonesty both which plaque the capitalist market. One of today’s drivers in business is not so much to make a difference in the world, but to make money and a lot of it. There needs to be trust and honesty or it could put the whole market at risk. He talks about how not every business leader is scandalous, but it seems as if the rules have changed and dishonesty and stretching the numbers are an acceptable part of these new rules. We need to get back to having honesty and integrity in the business place and away from “the everyone is doing it” attitude. One of the ways to accomplish this is to not have CEO’s and executive’s pay be so outrageously larger than the employee and skilled labor. Companies can give back to society and as organizations think of others and not just their own selves. 

Referring to the second article, “Attitude on Money”, I like how he used the example of a pair of glasses and it depends on the lens we use to look at things. My view on money is that it can be the means to accomplish great good if we use it to benefit others. If we use it just to gain more for ourselves, a bigger house, boat, clothes, trips then it will not necessarily bring us happiness because there will always be even bigger houses, better boats, nicer clothes and plenty of other places to travel. We need to be happy with our circumstances where ever we are financially and if we can be happy and satisfied with little we probably would be happy having more, however those are not the things that bring us true happiness. To me there is nothing wrong with having those things as long as it is not because you think it will make you happier. 

Some of the rules I think are important are to realize money can make life easier, but it does not make you happy. There are plenty of movie stars and wealthy people who have problems with their personal life and even their finances that make millions of dollars. I also think it is important, no matter how much money you make to give it away, realizing that you can be the means of helping lift another’s burdens. Recognize that the amount of money you make or have doesn’t make you better than anyone else is very vital. We all are children of God and he sees us equally, and when the day comes for us to return to him it won’t matter how much money we made. It will matter what we chose to do with our time and the difference we could make in helping others. 

I enjoyed reading The Hero’s Journey this week and learned a lot from the stories and parables it contained. One of my favorite sections was on choosing friends and it taught that much of our happiness in life comes from our relationships with others. It is important that we choose to surround ourselves with those that have integrity and honesty and are true friends. Also, in the end of the day the relationships we hold with others are more important than the amount of money made.