In today’s world, where experiences are increasingly mediated by technology and representation, it often feels like we value symbols—like money, photos, and headlines—more than the tangible wealth and authentic experiences they stand for. As T.S. Eliot’s poem “Choruses from The Rock” suggests, we’ve become a society that treasures the shadow over the substance, where the signpost becomes more important than the destination.
This article explores why most of us would rather have money than tangible wealth, why moments seem incomplete without being photographed, and why reading about an event can sometimes feel more exciting than attending it.
1. Why We Prefer Money Over Tangible Wealth
Money is an abstract symbol, representing potential rather than reality. Tangible wealth—like land, resources, or the fruits of labor—offers real value, but it requires effort, responsibility, and long-term thinking. Money, on the other hand, is easy to conceptualize and exchange, giving us a sense of power and freedom.
The Illusion of Infinite Possibilities
- Money’s Appeal: Money symbolizes limitless options—it’s the ultimate abstraction of value. We imagine all the things we could do with it, even if we rarely act on those possibilities.
- Tangible Wealth’s Limitation: Tangible wealth is tied to specific, practical realities. For instance, owning a farm provides food and security, but it also requires labor and maintenance.
Why This Matters
Choosing money over tangible wealth reflects our preference for flexibility and immediacy over commitment and substance. It also highlights our reliance on systems of representation, where wealth feels more accessible in numerical form than in tangible, lived experience.
2. Why Great Occasions Feel Incomplete Without Photos
The act of photographing an event has become almost instinctual. A birthday party, a concert, or even a quiet dinner with friends doesn’t feel fully “real” until it’s captured and shared. But why?
Photographs as Proof of Existence
- Memory Externalized: Taking a photo turns an ephemeral moment into something permanent, allowing us to revisit and validate it later.
- Social Validation: Sharing photos on social media invites likes and comments, providing instant feedback that the event mattered—not just to us, but to others.
The Trade-Off
- In the Moment vs. Capturing the Moment: While photographing an event preserves it, it can also pull us out of the present. We experience the occasion less directly, filtering it through the lens of a camera or phone.
Why This Matters
This behavior reflects a cultural shift: we value the memory of the moment—frozen, curated, and shareable—more than the experience of living it in real time.
3. Why Reading About an Event Feels More Fun Than the Event Itself
Have you ever attended a big event, only to find yourself more excited to read about it in the newspaper the next day? There’s something uniquely satisfying about seeing an experience transformed into a story, with all its details neatly packaged and elevated in importance.
The Power of Retelling
- Narrative Over Chaos: Events in real life are messy, noisy, and unstructured. Reading about them turns them into a coherent narrative, often with added significance or drama.
- Reflection and Context: Seeing an event through someone else’s eyes gives it a new perspective, adding layers of meaning that might not have been apparent during the experience itself.
Social Status and Validation
- Appearing in Print: Seeing an event written about or photographed elevates its importance, as if its value is confirmed by its documentation.
- Personal Connection: When we recognize ourselves in the narrative—whether in a photo or mentioned by name—it reinforces our sense of identity and belonging.
What Does This Say About Us?
This preference for representation over reality reveals a deep-seated human need to feel validated and connected in a world increasingly dominated by symbols and abstractions.
1. Representation as Control
Symbols like money, photographs, and narratives allow us to control and curate our experiences. We can organize chaos, preserve fleeting moments, and project the image we want others to see.
2. The Desire for Immortality
By documenting our lives—through money, photos, or written accounts—we attempt to leave a mark, to create something that lasts beyond the moment.
3. The Need for Social Connection
These symbols also serve as a bridge to others. Sharing photos, stories, or symbols of wealth invites recognition, validation, and belonging.
The Risks of Valuing Symbols Over Substance
While representation has its place, over-reliance on it can lead to a disconnection from reality:
- Superficial Living: We risk prioritizing appearances over genuine experiences.
- Emotional Detachment: Constantly documenting life can prevent us from fully engaging with the present moment.
- Consumerism and Burnout: The pursuit of money or social validation can leave us feeling empty, as these symbols rarely fulfill our deeper needs for purpose and connection.
How to Reconnect with Substance
- Live in the Moment: Practice mindfulness by fully engaging in experiences without the need to document or share them immediately.
- Seek Tangible Value: Focus on what truly enriches your life—relationships, skills, or physical well-being—rather than abstract measures of success.
- Balance Representation with Reality: While photos and narratives can enhance memory, ensure they complement rather than replace your direct experiences.
Conclusion
We live in a world where symbols often overshadow the realities they represent. Money feels more powerful than tangible wealth, a photograph becomes more significant than the occasion itself, and the story of an event feels more exciting than living it. While these representations serve important functions, it’s essential to remember their limitations.
The challenge is to strike a balance—valuing the signs without losing sight of the real world they point to. By doing so, we can live more authentically, finding fulfillment in both the substance of life and the stories we tell about it.
