The metaphysics of gold
in Philosophy ·
Sure, it’s rare, but let’s be real: platinum is even scarcer (and arguably more useful), and diamonds? They’re far more stunning than gold and serve plenty of practical purposes too.
I suspect the reason we use it as a "standard" is purely historical, rooted in how we’ve used gold since the beginning of time.
Look, gold is rare, sure, but for most of history, it was practically useless for anything else. Seriously, can you imagine trying to swing a sword made of gold? It would be too heavy and way too soft. It found its niche in jewelry, much like how bronze, brass, or iron were used for tools and weaponry. Because of that, it became an object of awe—and therefore, incredibly valuable! Once gold coins hit the scene, it only solidified its status. Since the coins matched the intrinsic value of gold jewelry, they became the ultimate standard of wealth.
If that weren't the case, anyone could just grab a handful of coins and melt them down into a necklace. Instead, goldsmiths became the gatekeepers of wealth for the elite and the aristocracy.
Old habits die hard, I suppose, which is why gold maintains such a massive price tag today. Even with modern technology, gold isn't just for show; it’s used in insulation, optics, and electronics. But even then, is it truly indispensable? Not really. There are plenty of other materials out there that often do a better job than gold ever could.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold
Go ahead, check the facts for yourself....
I suspect the reason we use it as a "standard" is purely historical, rooted in how we’ve used gold since the beginning of time.
Look, gold is rare, sure, but for most of history, it was practically useless for anything else. Seriously, can you imagine trying to swing a sword made of gold? It would be too heavy and way too soft. It found its niche in jewelry, much like how bronze, brass, or iron were used for tools and weaponry. Because of that, it became an object of awe—and therefore, incredibly valuable! Once gold coins hit the scene, it only solidified its status. Since the coins matched the intrinsic value of gold jewelry, they became the ultimate standard of wealth.
If that weren't the case, anyone could just grab a handful of coins and melt them down into a necklace. Instead, goldsmiths became the gatekeepers of wealth for the elite and the aristocracy.
Old habits die hard, I suppose, which is why gold maintains such a massive price tag today. Even with modern technology, gold isn't just for show; it’s used in insulation, optics, and electronics. But even then, is it truly indispensable? Not really. There are plenty of other materials out there that often do a better job than gold ever could.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold
Go ahead, check the facts for yourself....