MONEY AND THE STYLE OF MODERN LIFE 247
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tuteness. This double relationship is most clearly manifest
in the concept of the ego. The ego stands above all of its
contents, all of its inner oppositions and contradictions.
But it descends from its lofty position and identifies itself
closely with some of its contents and tendencies in their
opposition to others.
This is also the form of the relation of money to the
contents of life. In essence it stands above and beyond the
oppositions and contradictions of life, above and beyond
the particular tendencies and style forms. Yet, characterized
by its indifference to all that is particular and onesided,
it nevertheless places itself at the disposal of every
particular tendency and desire. But here it shows the
fundamental difference between itself and those other
forces referred to above. Religion, the state, the absolute
mind, and the ego—all take one side as against the other
if they descend to the plane of the particular interests.
Money, however, serves both sides and all sides. It maintains
its all-embracing character also on the plane of the
particular interests. The objectivity of money is not something
that really lies beyond the contradictions and is only
illegitimately used by one of them. Its objectivity signifies
from the start its willingness to serve both sides of the
contradiction, and its significance for the style of life lies
therein, that on account of its indifference to all one-sidedness
it adapts itself to every one-sidedness.
The third item which is characteristic for the style of
life is its tempo. Persistence or change and the relative
tempo of the latter are immediately characteristic for the
style of life of a specific period.
The introduction of money and the growth of the money
economy have meant a tremendous increase in the tempo
of life. The quick circulation of money and goods, the
Huctuations in individual wealth, the concentration and
