MONEY....NO MATTER !!

"Oh money, money, money                                                              Oh...it's a rich man's world"

It's been 30 years since Abba first danced their way into this song, and yet it remains a universal favourite even today. Perhaps the reason it continues to capture our hearts is that we, or rather, most of us can relate to this song. Don't we all sometimes bemoan about the fact that money belongs to the rich? The ones who can spend all they want, and yet, seem to have millions in their bank accounts? We scorn at their wild ways, show contempt for their lavish lifestyles, but secretly, don’t we all envy them? They are the people who have everything they can ask for- huge mansions to live in, chauffer driven cars, indoor swimming pools, end number of credit cards....., in, in other words they are the 'Haves', the so called 'upper class folks' of our society. .

The word 'Haves' originated during the age of the Industrial Revolution, when it was used to denote the rich capitalists, who owned land as well as factories. But over the years, its meaning has evolved, and now, in this new era, it defines anyone who can blow off thousands in one shopping spree and still buy a Beverly Hills house at the same time. But there is one thing that has not changed along with the meaning-the power wielded by the haves. It is they who make the rules, while we, the less fortunate ones follow them, or in other words, the 'Golden Rule', followed unconsciously or otherwise by all beings of the Earth.

The word 'millionaire' was first used in 'Vivian Grey' in 1876.Since then, it has become one of the most common words in the dictionary, and no wonder at the rate in which the 'haves' are becoming richer. And along with their money, their extravagance is also growing. Reports of lavish parties thrown by socialists, the expensive jewellery brought, and not to mention lists of 'the richest people in the world' are common, followed intently by the all-adoring public. They dominate newspaper reports, news headlines- in other words, they dominate the world. What, more can be said about these people?

"Oh money, money, money                                                         It's indeed a rich man's world..."

                                                                                           Narrate