As I was reading from George Templeton Strong’s The Diaries this weekend, I was intrigued to find that I could relate easily to many of the thoughts and ideas which were impacting Strong’s life during the mid-1800’s. Particularly, the way the New York financial mindset can take such a strong hold over a person, even if that person was previously indifferent to the pursuit of wealth. Personally, I have never really felt a strong drive to get rich and make tons of money. I had always prioritized job satisfaction and fulfillment in my career goals — until I came to NYC. (satisfaction is still important of course, but I do feel the desire to make money now in a way that I didn’t before)
I started my academic career studying engineering at Cornell. When I first transferred to the more affordable CUNY system, I went to City College, since it is the only CUNY school with an engineering program. But after a short time I abandoned that course, finding that I had other interests which were being fostered by this dynamic environment. I was lured in by the desire to prove myself and earn success and respect (and money) in New York’s competitive business environment. The promise of limitless potential is captivating and a worthy challenge.
My understanding of large-scale societies and human interactions has greatly benefited from dwelling in this urban environment. In New York, this interaction centers around economic activity, rather than any religious or cultural uniformity. It is true that there are many groups which are still united by cultural bonds, but economic interaction trumps all else in this multicultural city. Regarding his new-found desire to make money Strong writes, “In this city the feeling is necessary to enable one to sympathize with the rest of mankind and be sure of his common humanity with the people about him.” His statements reveal that even back then New York had a culture of making money.
Wall St
This pervasive, money-focused culture still dominates New York today, and like any cultural set of ideas, the desire for money unites us and provides a way for us to relate to each other. Cultural values are by definition not solitary values. The desire for money fits this mold because one does not lust after money in a vacuum. We pursue money for the power and respect it warrants us within this community and for the ability to positively impact our environments. I feel that George Templeton Strong was a very insightful man (with an awesome name). However, he does not address the tendency for the wealthy to exploit the poor. I wonder how the Occupy Wall Street movement fits in to these ideas and whether “culture of money” has become too strong, inviting revolution.
