Ladies and gentlemen,

Imagine a world where human worth is not measured in coins or paper but in acts of kindness, collaboration, and shared purpose. A world where humanity thrives on principles, not profits; on connection, not competition. Does such a vision feel like an impossible dream? Or is it a reality we have lost to the glittering illusion of money?

Let me take you back to a time when money did not exist—when my ancestors lived in harmony with the earth, with each other, and with themselves. This was a society I was born in, unburdened by the artificial constructs of wealth and possession. People exchanged what they had, not for profit, but for mutual benefit. There was no greed,

no hoarding, no competition to outdo one another. And in this simplicity, there was peace.

When money came, I witnessed in person how it brought with it a storm. At first, it seemed innocent—a convenient tool for trade. But soon, it grew into a force that consumed the mind, poisoned relationships, and eroded the foundation of collective living. People who once shared with open hands began to hoard with clenched

fists. Suspicion replaced trust. Greed replaced generosity. And peace, the fragile heartbeat of society, was silenced.

Today, we live in a world where money dictates the rhythm of life. It determines who eats and who starves, who thrives and who perishes. It has infiltrated our homes, our relationships, and even our self-worth. But ask yourself—does money truly bring peace? Does it bring balance or harmony?

The answer lies in the stories of those who have sacrificed their lives for the pursuit of wealth. Millions toil relentlessly, trading their health, their time, and even their morality for something that, at its core, is lifeless and fleeting. Others die because they lack it, unable to access basic necessities in a system that values profit over people.

Money has become both a carrot and a whip, leading humanity down a path of endless suffering.

History provides us with powerful lessons. Consider the barter systems of old, where communities thrived by exchanging goods and services. These were not transactions of greed but acts of mutual care. A farmer would trade grain for a potter’s clay, and in this simple act, both would survive, unburdened by the stress of accumulating wealth.

Contrast this with today’s reality, where a few hoard unimaginable riches while countless others struggle to survive.

Let us also remember the words of spiritual leaders who warned against the dangers of greed. From Buddha to Christ, their messages were clear: the love of money is the root of all evil. Yet, we continue to idolize it, allowing it to dictate our lives and relationships.

It is time to reclaim our humanity. Money should serve us, not the other way around. Instead of measuring success in dollars and possessions, let us measure it in the quality of our relationships, the depth of our character, and the strength of our communities.

Imagine a society where we prioritize well-being over wealth, cooperation over competition, and love over greed. A society where resources are shared, not hoarded; where the measure of a person is their integrity, not their bank account. This is not a utopian dream. It is a return to the wisdom of our ancestors, who understood that

true wealth lies in harmony, balance, and mutual care.

To those who believe that money is the only path to happiness, I ask: Can you buy peace of mind? Can you purchase love? Can you exchange dollars for purpose? Money may fill your pockets, but it will never fill the emptiness within.

Let us reflect on our priorities. Let us teach our children that their worth is not tied to what they own but to who they are. Let us build systems that value people over profit and ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a better life.

The time has come to shift our focus from accumulation to contribution, from greed to generosity, from chaos to coherence. The change begins with each of us. Together, we can create a world where money no longer divides us but becomes a tool for unity and peace.

So I leave you with this thought: If money were to disappear tomorrow, what would remain of you? What legacy would you leave? 

Let us find the courage to answer these questions and take action. For in doing so, we will rediscover the peace we have lost and rebuild the harmony we so desperately need.

#MoneyVsHarmony #NgiafonLeyayayo