Comment by robocat

Are you trying to argue that money is more important than banking? But that banking was the most important thing? Your logic elludes me.

Or maybe you have a manipulative world view? What is more important - money or power? If you have power do you need money? Is power equivalent to money?

"Money" is a means of exchange, and in some contexts it is a status signal.

Money is a measure, not an ends in itself. People want the money to do something with: the something is faaaar more important than money. Find me a person with money, and I will easily find ten things they would prefer.

Anecdotally:

My friends don't value money above other things. Other friends could easily take nearly all my money if they chose to (I put myself into very submissive situations). I don't work because I don't need more money.

Perhaps I live in a different world than you.

The people I know all have complex desires, and few of my friends are concentrating on making money (and the smartest friends I know don't make money their central goal). I do have a couple of friends who try to make money and they seem to do it quite well without too much difficulty.

Have you tried to offer money to people? If it is so critical then people would take it. My experience is that a few do but many don't. I've offered large amounts to acquaintances that haven't taken it (perhaps with or without hooks).

(Slight edits for clarity).