JP Abecilla - The Millennial Writer

Note: This is a revised version of the original blog article of JP Abecilla – The Millennial Writer with the same title on his old website www.jpabecilla.com written in 2018.

What does it feel like when you don’t have money? Conversely, what emotions arise when we have an abundance of it? The anxiety, demotivation, and dissatisfaction associated with a low salary are experiences many dedicated employees know all too well. These feelings highlight the profound emotional connection we have with money.

The Millennial Writer believes money is an emotion but not evil. It’s not a mere statement; it’s based on research and even experiences. From how your stomach feels to how your brain reacts, money has some kind of psychological impact. Continue reading to understand how money affects our physical, emotional, social, and even spiritual capacities.

Money as More Than a Physical Entity

Can we consider money more as an emotion and an idea than just physical coins or bills? This perspective invites us to delve deeper into the psychological and emotional dimensions of money. A study published by the Harvard Business Review reveals significant brain activity related to money, illustrating its emotional impact.

The Brain’s Response to Money

1. Stomach Pain and Financial Risk: Research indicates that our stomachs can feel pain when our money is at risk. This phenomenon occurs because the brain regions associated with financial fear also trigger anxiety, pain, and hunger. The physical discomfort we experience is a direct response to the threat posed to our financial stability.
2. The Euphoria of Financial Gain: The Harvard study found that brain scans of individuals about to make money closely resemble those of drug addicts high on cocaine. This similarity underscores that money is intrinsically linked to feelings of reward, pleasure, and motivation. The anticipation of financial gain can create a euphoric state comparable to substance-induced highs.
3. Decision-Making and Social Emotions: When shopping or making purchases, our brains activate areas associated with social emotions. We weigh the cost, quality, and necessity of the item, and our decisions can lead to feelings of happiness or regret. The emotional outcomes of our financial decisions further reinforce the idea that money deeply influences our emotional state.

The Love of Money and Its Consequences

The Bible’s assertion that “the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10) speaks to the powerful emotions tied to financial desire. Love, in this context, refers to an intense affection for money. Money itself is NOT evil; the love of money is.

Unchecked, this emotion can lead to negative behaviors such as envy, jealousy, indifference, corruption, power hunger, theft, and even violence. These destructive actions stem from the potent emotional trigger that money represents.

Again, it is crucial to distinguish between money itself and “the love of money.” While money is a necessary tool in our lives, it is the obsessive love and coveting of money that can lead to moral and ethical downfall.

Money is not merely a physical object but a significant emotional force in our lives. The way our brains and bodies react to financial situations reveals that money is deeply intertwined with our emotions. By understanding this connection, we can better manage our financial decisions and emotional well-being.

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