Normal sounds great, but has boundaries that are hard to ascertain and easy to manipulate, and it’s often thrown around to justify abnormal spending
Apparently, money is a loaded topic. Our discussion “On the Money” focused on elevating the material and finding a healthy direction for abundance. In reaction, there was a broad summing up of, “Thanks for bringing up the runaway materialism, it’s the most crucial issue of our times.” There was also, “I need to help support my family and there are loads of expenses and expectations; can we talk about that?”
Your expectation of people to value money the same way they would a safety pin is unrealistic. In order to be the best versions of ourselves, we need our needs to be met. (Maslow’s hierarchy is a good model for this). And if I didn’t have money to pay my tuition and grocery bills, safety pins aren’t exactly coming to the rescue.
We get worked up about money; it’s important to rein the worry in and stay calm. That’s true even if we’re broke and there’s something that we really want — or need — but can’t have. The best version of ourselves will not be served by panic, fighting, or losing our cool. Hence, the idea of trying to relate to money like safety pins was offered as a helpful tool.
But a mashal can only be taken so far. I had no intention for you to now include a note in your IRS returns that says, “In lieu of taxes, we have included a box of safety pins and made a donation in your name to the local Tomchei Shabbos.”
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