Call me simple, but I've never quite understood where gold justifies its value. The same applies to diamonds, platinum, and all other types of
precious rocks and metals. I understand from an economic perspective. They're rare items that command a high demand. But why is there such demand?
They're shiny and sparkly, yes, but I would have assumed that a species as technologically advanced as humans, would have got passed that by this stage of development. It's not like we're fucking magpies, scrounging for anything bright and shiny. And what I understand even less, is why they must be genuine? You take a fake diamond to a diamond inspector, and they will have to look through their little magnifying glass to determine whether the stone is genuine or not. To the naked eye, it is the exact same product. So what does it matter, as no one will ever know, whether you're wearing a fake, or a genuine stone? The fake's going to be a lot cheaper for a start. Would it not make more sense to get a fake rock and a nice new car, than just a rock? After all a rock has no purpose other than it sparkles. Are people now that shallow that sparkly is worth wasting all their income on?
It just boggles my mind. I cannot understand where gold etc. receives its value. A diamond necklace that has no practical use, has the same value to people as providing safe, clean drinking water to thousands of suffering people in Africa. Because that's one trade-off that people are making when they make such a purchase. I'd rather look sparkly and let thousands die, than use this money for any kind of practicality. It just makes no sense to me.
Back in the days when gold was used as currency, then of course it has value. What use is it now? A big bag of money or a piece of shiny metal? I
know which I'd choose. And I'm sure that people will make the argument that investment in precious rocks and metals in times of economic hardship is
safe because it invariably holds its value. But we haven't had a time like that for a while, if things are looking a little rocky currently. And is
it really safer than investing it within a bank for example? I doubt it. But this isn't even the reason for most investment in gold etc. anyway.
I just can't understand it. I guess gold has just become a symbol of status. "The more bling I have, the better I am." It's a pretty sad state of affairs to be in if that's the case. It reminds me of what I wrote about art. If you haven't the intellect to gain status from anything worthwile, but you have money, then you can buy status in the form of sparkly things. It is a very worrying state of affairs though if this is how people now choose to invest. I would love to find out the amount of money spent on diamonds each year, for example. I wonder for how many people this money could provide clean drinking water, or put shelter over peoples heads. Just a thought. I guess the only reason you'll ever get rich is through greed. And in that case, you're not the type of person to help others. Capitalism once again shows its colours. What can I do for me?
Page written on: 26 May 2008
