The human mind has the ability to deceive itself. By justifing actions that are anthing but justifiable. Of the many diseases in the world, some so devastating as to take life away, the disease of greed has grown and become a true enemy. The greatest deception may be when we allow greed to take over our actions.
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI said: profit is useful if it serves as a means towards an end…, once profit becomes the exclusive goal, if it is produced by improper means and without the common good as its ultimate end, it risks destroying wealth and creating poverty…., greed has brought about the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. The economy needs ethics in order to function correctly-not any ethics, but ethics which is people centered.
Greed takes on many forms, maybe it’s competing with neighbors financially; taking money from others just to get ahead while putting them behind; knowingly sabotaging others to put yourself ahead no matter how small and at any costs; living a life that is a lie as it is one that is lived outside our personal financial means. Justifying such actions is not admirable; it is quite the opposite.
There is no need to plaster the names of company CEOs that were driven by greed. Many are known in our history; others are being made daily and still more are yet to be discovered as their current actions have been brought to the surface. They will, it’s just a matter of time.
Then there are the dictators that rule over the people of their countries. Bashir of Syria, Castro of Cuba, the Ayotollah of Iran, there are plenty on this list. They progress at the cost of their own people. The monarchies of the world are varied. Some are mere figureheads with limited powers like the Spanish King. Others have much say in a democratic style of governance like the Queen of England.
Then there is the monarchy of the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia. Here there is no doubt who is in charge. The royal family continues to get wealthy at the cost of the people. Here as in Iran, there is a secret police of sorts that is responsible for keeping a watchful eye on everyone to maintain virtue. The rules are based on Whabi Islam which is Sunni and followed mostly by the royal family.
Another country that has a kingdom is Morocco. During a recent trip there is was obvious that the King has great control over his people. The make up of the people is mostly the haves and have nots. The streets were filled with police and military carrying guns no doubt to make sure his royal highness was not bashed in anyway. The King, unlike his father, has made great progress in the country and it appeared the people really love this king for what he’s done. However even with advancements well beyond his father, the King still continues to pad his bank account far in excess of his people. Maybe it’s because his father was so bad that it appears most people on Morocco have only good to say about their King or maybe it’s the fact that police are everywhere and an unkind word could get a person in great trouble. Morocco, as in many underdeveloped countries, and some developed ones as well, still does a lot of business with a handshake.
Certainly some of these greed filled individuals will be treated with the strong arm of the law. Some may see jail time, but these are just the extremes. Many will go through their lives filled will greed and not suffer any consequences of their action. The key is to take account of your personal actions and do not allow greed to take over your personal actions or be succumbed by the greed of others. Understand that greed can be present on many levels. Greed is not an attractive attribute for anyone, big or small. Take personal responsibility to become a better person and part of a better world.