ENGL 200 D: Reading Literature: Literature in the Marketplace

The writings of John Locke and Adam Smith explore beliefs about human nature. Greed is a common part of human instinct. Both men intend to justify this less than noble trait, while investigating the question, does money solve the problem of greed? Ultimately, it is beneficial that money does not solve the problem of greed nor initiate greed. Money as gold or wealth acts as an aid to get what you want.

Locke describes greed as the “desire of having more than man needed” (Locke). Locke comes to the understanding that the world is not ideal. However, there is still a need to support one’s self and family, which aids in the initiation of greed. To justify the means of taking more than one’s share of the land, there is an introduction of money. Perishable items could be traded away for money, therefore preventing the sin of food or other necessities spoiling. “Men have agreed to a disproportionate and unequal possession of the earth, they having, by a tacit and voluntary consent, found out a way how a man may fairly possess more land than he himself can use the product of” (Locke). Locke rationalizes that everyone tacitly agrees on money’s value, so all labor that a man decides to place effort in can be traded for over plus gold or silver. Gold and silver are not life-sustaining substances thus greed is important in the movement of the economy, to satisfy our needs for items that support life.

On the other hand, Smith describes the greed for wealth and the steps needed to strive towards this status. “If ever he hopes to distinguish himself, it must be by more important virtues” such as a family and funds from the “labour of his body, and the activity of his mind” (Smith). However, this greed originates from the desire for greatness through “ambition,” which supports the progression of the society. Smith bases this greed through the natural desire for value and the associated happiness due to the disposition to identify with the rich instead of broadcasting the sorrows associated with the poor. Money becomes an aid to achieve status and, in the end, happiness. A world without greed has the potential to slow the development of the society.

The Encarta Dictionary defines greed as “an overwhelming desire to have more of something, such as money, than is actually needed.” Locke justifies this definition by putting in hard work and supporting one’s family. Over time, Smith suggests that greed has become synonymous with wealth and human nature. The trading of both necessities and desires are aided by the creation of money. The economy needs greed as a driving factor, but still focuses on the trade of products rather than money.