Rocket Scientists' Guide to Money and the Economy

The Rocket Scientists' Guide to Money and the Economy (RSGME) offers a comprehensive introduction to the nature of money, viewing it as abstracted labor time, and explores its role within economic systems. The guide delves into the addictive nature of money, the dynamics of the Accumulating Class, and the societal consequences of accumulation. It critiques the way modern economies prioritize profit and accumulation over equitable labor exchange, leading to social and environmental crises. By combining theoretical insights with practical examples, the book advocates for systemic reforms to promote economic fairness and social well-being.

LP Rocket Guides

Rocket Guides > Rocket Scientists' Guide to Authentic Spirituality, Rocket Scientists' Guide to Money and the Economy

Related LP Terms

RSGME > Accumulating Class, Regime of Accumulation

Non-LP Related Terms

RSGME > Money

Rocket Scientists' Guide to Money and the Economy - Key Concepts and Sections

Preface

• Introduction to the purpose and scope of the Rocket Guides
• Emphasis on accessibility and paradigmatic change

Introduction

• The central role of money in the modern world
• Challenges the notion that money is inherently evil
• Importance of understanding the true nature of money

The Nature of Money

• Money as abstracted labor time
• Money facilitates economic exchange by representing labor
• Definition: Money = Labor Time

The Economy

• Economy as a system of labor exchange
• Different types of economies: monetized, underground, and informal
• The social nature of economic exchange

The Source of Money

• Money creation through agreement and production
• Money as a container for labor value

The Value of Money

• Determining the value of money through labor time
• Concordance: collective agreement on the value of money
• The role of money supply in representing total labor in the economy

The Problem with Money

• Minor issues: determining costs and motivating labor
• Major issues: money addiction and accumulation

Money Addiction

• Money as a powerful addictive substance
• Dopamine release and attachment leading to money addiction
• Behavioral characteristics of money addicts

Accumulation

• Accumulation of labor-power by the Accumulating Class
• Distortion of economies and inversion of economic purpose
• Long-term societal and environmental consequences

The Baker's Story

• Illustrative tale of accumulation and its impacts
• Ethical dilemmas and social inequality arising from overcharging

Power and Accumulation

• Accumulated money as a means to command labor
• The corrupting influence of power gained through accumulation

Profit and the Business of Accumulation

• Profit as euphemism for labor accumulation
• Shifts in economic goals from social exchange to profit maximization

Crisis and Solutions

• Current global crises linked to money and accumulation
• Proposals for addressing economic and social imbalances

Conclusion

• Urgent need for systemic reform
• Encouragement to understand and address the true nature of money and accumulation

References

• Comprehensive list of sources and additional reading materials

Related LP Content and Courses

• LP 131 – The Regime of Accumulation (a.k.a.) The System

Footnotes

References