The social Theory of Georg Simmel

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Monograph

Identifikator:: 1024612627

URN:: urn:nbn:de:zbw-retromon-166627

Document type:: Monograph

Author:: Spykman, Nicholas J. http://d-nb.info/gnd/124229867

Title:: The social Theory of Georg Simmel

Place of publication:: Chicago

Publisher:: Univ. of Chicago Press.

Year of publication:: 1925

Scope:: XXIX, 297 S

Digitisation:: 2022

Collection:: Economics Books

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234 THE SOCIAL THEORY OF GEORG SIMMEL indifference as to their values. In their relation to intelli- gence, all elements have equal rights as long as they are actual. Money is an indifferent mirror in which all ele- ments are pictured with complete indifference to all non- monetary values. In their relation to money, all elements have equal rights as long as they have an economic value. This lack .of character which is the essence of both money and intellect is also manifest in a more positive as- pect. Money shows its complete indifference to other val- ues in being available for all purposes. It serves the noblest pursuits and the basest desires; it functions in enterprises for human welfare as well as in enterprises for human de- struction. In a similar fashion intelligence is used both for the welfare of humanity and for theft and murder. In the case of money, this lack of character is once more manifest in another direction. What is sold for money goes to him who pays most; what is bought for money is bought from him who asks least. Money and intellect are forms, func- tions, the one of economic life, the other of mental life, and, as such, they are relativistic and objective. That objectiv- ity, that lack of character, is not a new quality in addition to other qualities, but it is their very essence. They are the only forms and methods of dealing with the world which exclude personal reactions and subjective responses. This objective and impersonal character of money and intellect is also responsible for their importance in the de- velopment of individualism. To understand this double role, it becomes necessary to distinguish between content and function, between the factual aspect of these forms and the use that is made of them. The specific quality of the factual aspect of money causes it to transform the subjec- tive impulse into an objective superpersonal activity which is subject to factual normalization. But that same quality of its factual aspect allows the individual to realize his per-

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