05 July 2008
k is for kapital
[my collection of small change in piratey-type box, taken at a really rubbish angle. Obviously 'kapital' is not necessarily best represented by money, but you know, the first form of 'the appearance of capital is money' as Karl notes in er, Kapital. Plus I couldn't find anything else to fit in the light-box].
Discussing money is like talking about dreams; nauseating and boring in equal measures, because, on many levels, rather important. The very material consequences of the real abstractions of money (and dreams) conflict with our self-perception and those of people around us: 'I am not the number represented by my bank balance, I am a free man!' The way money both allows you to do certain things and prevents you from doing others forces us to become certain kinds of people. There is no existentialism here, or only for the very rich, who can of course be whoever they want. It's a shame that they almost always choose to be totally disgusting.
At the age of nearly 30, I have never had more than £600 positive money. Like everyone else, I live in my overdraft, have credit card debt, owe my Ma several hundred pounds and own nothing of a value above £300 (so, probably not worth stealing anything from me). Since the age of 18 I have spent between 25% and 40% of my income on rent every month, and I can't imagine ever owning any of the following things: property, a car, furniture. I spend my income on bills, eating out, drinks, books, other people and the odd vintage dress. I live slightly beyond my means and I never save anything. How very 21st century!
If I ever did have any significant capital, I'd pay off my debts and that of all my crew, and set up a publishing company. I suspect that about 80% of my friends would give the same answer. Perhaps I will run a 'what would you spend a million quid on competition'. The prize could be the piratey box!
