we are all monopoly educated indoctrinated into playing a game of life

[Darkover]

 

[Rogue Proxy]

In all cultures past and present, wealth is one of the major criteria used to judge every individual's worth and value. However, money and (purchased) material possessions aren't the only variables used to evaluate wealth. It includes natural resources like water, size of land/territory, number and species of trees, wild animals and edible wild plants and fungi within the possessed land; and rocks, minerals, and metals. It could be the number, species, and size of "game" a hunter can kill, or a fisher can catch. A gatherer is judged by the number and type of eggs, roots, mushrooms, berries, shellfish, insects, ect. they can collect. A farmer's wealth is indicated by the number, species, and quality of crops they grow and harvest, or the number, species, breeds, and quality of livestock they raise and slaughter (along with animal-based products like eggs, milk, wax, honey, silk, and wool).

Humans serve as a type of currency in wealth. Social wealth is determined by the number of family members, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, neighbors, allies, contacts, and other members in their social circles. For high-ranking humans, it's the amount of workers, citizens, followers, worshippers, voters, viewers, fans, soldiers, students, consumers, and other underlings they benefit from. Breeders are prized for the number and quality of offspring they produce. For men, it's the number of women they date, copulate, and in polygamous cultures, wives and/or concubines. Likewise, the quantity of sexual and romantic partners can be applied to all genders. For soldiers, warriors, athletes, and fighters, it's the number of opponents they defeat, if not kill. Law enforcers are scored by the number of criminals, prisoners, and "mental health cases" they detain.

Finally, there are intangible forms of wealth that a person is judged by. Informational wealth includes knowledge, wisdom, experience, opinions, stories, lies, quotes, warnings, observations, advice, critiques, and other contributions to communication. Expressions of compassion and empathy are another source of intangible wealth an individual is expected and demanded to provide. These include attention, praise, encouragement, support, education, gratitude, gift-giving, apologies, physical contact, conversations, generosity, entertainment, appeasement, respect, patience, and other altruistic actions. Reception of these positive behaviors is another guise of wealth.

All humans are scrutinized by their overall wealth, regardless of "currency" or criteria. Exploitation and resource acquisition are essential for the survival, thrival, and reproduction of the human species, along with all other organisms on Earth.