Making a living occupies the attention of men during a large part of every day. They have widely differing views of what it depends upon and how it is accomplished. Generally speaking, however, it is accepted that a good living, that is, adequate provision and a sense of security, depends upon and is measured by money, and that making a living is the process of obtaining as much wealth as possible. It is the common belief that happiness, success, power, and position can be attained only through the possession of a certain amount of wealth, and that the greater the amount, the greater the chances of realization of good in everyday human experience.
What is this wealth in which men have so much faith, and for the possession of which so many strive all their lives? The Bible tells us that Job's wealth consisted of sheep, camels, oxen, asses, and a very great household. At one time the wealth of the North American Indian was determined by the number of war canoes he owned, while the Fiji Islander's wealth was represented by whales' teeth. Today wealth is quite universally reckoned in terms of real estate, securities, money, and the things that money will buy. Wealth, then, usually refers to an accumulation of valuable material possessions.
According to Christian Science, it is not possible to attain permanent security or enduring happiness through the collection of material possessions. History bears out this statement, for it reveals that the pride, arrogance, and tyranny sometimes arising from great wealth have crowded out love, joy, and peace in men's hearts, and that the lack of adequate supply has engendered envy, resentment, hate, and even war, which in turn has destroyed the very wealth men have sought to possess and the happiness they have hoped to attain.
