I don't think money can be understood through a lens limited to economics. And most books about money tell you the history of money, the instrument. But money is also an idea, one that we exchange to survive.

It is important to understand that the most important currency is social debt. Doing things for others. In order to get, you have to give.

We are privileged that the dollar is the "currency of last resort" and the most important currency in the world. Global commodities are priced in dollars. Central banks in other countries hold great quantities of dollars. The dollar was the safe harbor, the port in the storm during the credit crisis.

Just the idea of making money can increase your skin conductancy, meaning there's a current of excitement.

In essence, money gives us the calories we need to survive. Over time, we became aware that exchange and cooperation increase our chances for survival. Eventually we create tools to facilitate trade. One of these tools is called money.

Money is really like blood. You need it to live but it isn't the point of life.

Reputation will become an even more important currency in the future.