Today in class we discussed Simmel’s emphasis on the role economy plays in our decision making and what we value. For example, I can say that a composition notebook is worth or valued at $2.50. How did I come to that estimation? That is what I have learned from our economy. In that way the economy is the determining factor in how we weigh the value of something. Simmel also compares life in general to an equation. The ultimate answer to that equation is money/economic based. Everything that leads up to that answer are products or factors of that equation. My ultimate goal is success. Things that add up to that are getting an education, studying, extracurricular activities, etc. Those are all components to an equations whose answer is success.
Simmels view is an objective, straightforward approach. In thinking of life’s aspects in an unbiased, mathematical sense we are able to gain a fuller understanding of how these factors play a role on our mental states. Unfortunately it is highly impossible to think in a solely objective manner. Most of our values and opinions are based on experience and sentimentality. That is the drive and guide in our lives. In turn, that is the main influence on our mental states.