Money, Power and Poverty: The Force Shaping Our World

MONEY 

“Money plays the largest part in determining the course of history.” — Karl Marx, The Communist Manifesto

The very first recorded dispute fuelled by envy and jealousy, which led to the first murder in human history was over money. Not in the paper form we know today, but in the form of cattle and crops, thousands of years ago. Cain and Abel. Cain killed his younger brother Abel because the Lord accepted Abel’s offering, the best of what he had, but rejected Cain’s, which wasn’t his best. Instead of learning from his brother’s example, Cain scolded him, deceived him, and then killed him.

This story shows us that money itself isn’t necessarily the problem, it’s the power in the hands of the individual that holds it.

With money comes power, and with power comes status. But why? I’ve never fully understood the concept of rich and poor in a monetary sense. Physical money can be printed endlessly, but isn’t,  because it would damage the economy. That logic has never made sense to me. If everyone had enough to eat well, dress well, and be safely housed at the very least, wouldn’t the world be better? We were created to be fruitful, to multiply, and to provide for those who, for whatever reason, don’t have the same opportunities. Yet as a society, we’ve robbed, tricked, and harmed others to gain control and status, all through money.

“What is it that causes most conflict at every level of social interaction, from the family to the village, from city management to the state, to international organisations? It is the control of money… who gets to spend it, and under what constraints.” — Susan Strange, What Theory? The Theory in Mad Money

Conflict over money exists at every financial level, but here we’re focusing on those in high positions, some appointed by us, others who simply bought their seats with no need to share credentials, only a cheque. We examine their actions not just to complain, but to learn how to attain power ourselves and use it for its rightful purpose.

If you're reading this, you have access to the internet, which means you’ve already contributed to change through creativity. If you're reading this, it means truth matters to you.

We came into this world through the vagina, or pulled from the stomach, of the woman we know as our mother, or don’t. Regardless of the relationship, we arrived into this life without choice. We were raised, nurtured or not,  in homes that loved us or didn’t, that provided or failed to, that taught us good or bad. Eventually, we reach an age where we have the power to choose. Some of us, grounded in love, become well-rounded citizens. Some don’t. Some grow up in toxic environments and use it as fuel to be better. Others use it as an excuse to continue down a path of destruction.

Whatever the foundation, we all learn quickly: Money demands respect, even if respect isn’t deserved. Money speaks loudly. Money is the means to secure a decent life.

"Money can’t buy happiness." No, it can’t. But it can buy security. And depending on how much, it can also buy a position in society.

We understood early on the difference between Nike and Umbro. One cost more. And back in the late ’90s, early 2000s, the brand on your feet determined how people treated you, regardless of whether both were made in the same factory, by the same workers, with the same materials. It was about cost. And cost determines your perceived value.

Our guardians had clear expectations: Get good grades. Listen to your teachers. Be respectful. Go to college. Then university. Get a good job. One that pays well. This was the path to a life of comfort, a life bought with money.

Politicians appeal to our humanity, but once in power, money often dictates their decisions. It’s 2026, the second year of President Trump’s second first term. At the very least, he’s never hidden who he is or what he wants. He remains focused on consolidating wealth and power within white America, dismantling anything or anyone who threatens his agenda.

In the UK, like many parts of the world, thousands, including children, live without homes. Yet daily appeals to civilians for support continue, even as Parliament and the monarchy spend millions, even billions, on celebrations that honour very little, capitalising on tourism while failing their own people.

MONEY. We all want it. We want to eat well, dress how we like, travel, buy homes for our families, and create generational wealth so the next generation doesn't go without. But how much do we really need to achieve that?

As I write this, 1.5% of the global population are millionaires, around 58 million out of 8 billion. Nearly 9% - 700 million live in extreme poverty. And 44% - 3.5 billion are considered poor.

These numbers reflect the absence of money. The truth? The whole world is poor, financially speaking.

Even in countries with low debt, like Botswana, everyone owes money to someone. And unless that someone is God himself, who’s collecting?

"In 2014, according to a study by the McKinsey Global Institute, global debt reached $199 trillion. up by $57 trillion in just seven years. That’s nearly three times the total capitalisation of the world’s stock markets, or 25 times the value of all above-ground gold." — The Money Power

Knowing this and knowing it’s only worsened should shift our perspective. Money should be used as a tool. To gain power in order to create positive change.

And yes, enjoy the nice dinner. Buy that jacket if you want to. But the fight for “more” should never cost you your peace. Not if that “more” only leads to temporary pleasure.

We’re all living different realities and facing different hardships, but let’s put things into perspective: The poverty line equals about £2 a day - £56 a month. The average poor person lives on £6 a day - £168 a month.

That needs to change.

And while it may not be our direct fault that so many suffer, we still have a responsibility. We must stay conscious of what’s being fed to us, how it’s presented, and the ripple effects our choices create, especially on those who are simply trying to survive.

Money isn’t everything. But money is everything.

If money were eliminated altogether, would we live in greater harmony?

Nah. Something else would take its place…