A Vision of a Moneyless Economy

Introduction: A Vision of a Moneyless Economy

As an American millennial, I’ve experienced a unique position in history, one where the values of sacrifice and support have collided with a harsh economic reality. My father, a Baby Boomer, sacrificed much to ensure I had opportunities, even offering me the last of his investment funds—nearly $50,000 in 2005—to help me through college. His act was one of love and dedication, and I honor it deeply. Yet, as I navigate my life and the world we now live in, I recognize that this gesture also highlights a broader, more troubling story about generational wealth and the system that has upheld it.

The Baby Boomer generation, now between the ages of 60 and 78, controls an astonishing 52% of the world’s wealth. In stark contrast, my generation—millennials—hold a mere 9%. Generation Z doesn’t even make it onto the wealth distribution chart. The numbers paint a grim picture, but they only scratch the surface of a deeper imbalance. As we confront these disparities, the broader question emerges: How did this happen, and more importantly, what can we do about it?

It’s hard to avoid the conclusion that the Baby Boomer generation, as a whole, is one of the most selfish and short-sighted in history. There are 65-year-old parents sitting on millions, hoarding wealth for healthcare, real estate, and leisure, while their millennial children and grandchildren drown in debt. Many of my peers, as parents themselves, struggle to support their families while knowing that the economic deck has been stacked against them. I am a father too, and unlike much of the Boomer generation, I would give my kidneys, my heart—everything—for my children. Yet, it seems Baby Boomers, with their immense wealth, expect their children to serve them into old age, all while offering little in return. Millennials and Gen-Z are left with a brutal reality: if they want to survive in the world of money, they will be forced to serve their parents in nursing homes or pay rent to companies like BlackRock, who have devoured the housing market.

The entitlement Boomers have to the influence of their money is something I’ve witnessed up close. I once saw a Boomer mother, with the support of her second husband, kick her daughter out of an apartment because the daughter had started to exercise some independence. After the narrative fighting—the “he said, she said” back-and-forth—was over, it became obvious to everyone that the root issue was simple: the mother felt entitled to control her daughter because she had financial leverage. That situation revealed something more insidious: money is the only real power this generation seems to think they have. It’s as if they believe that without the influence of their wealth, they have nothing of value to offer the world. And to the rest of us, this is painfully obvious.

It’s easy to say that the Boomers earned their wealth, but that’s not quite true. Much of the wealth they enjoy was conjured from nothing, a creation of debt that mortgaged the future for the benefit of the present. The financial system they helped build has weaponized mathematics against reality. It’s as if they crafted a fantasy where their prosperity could exist at the expense of future generations—generations like mine.

But I’ve come to believe that money is not necessary. Yes, it’s a powerful illusion, but it’s not the only way to engage with the world. Through my experiences as a father and husband, I’ve learned a much more fulfilling way to live. Instead of viewing the world through the lens of monetary transactions, I see it as a place that contains my gifts—my love, my compassion, my humor, and my service. In this vision, I find joy in showing up for myself and for others, not because I’m extorted to do so, but because it’s the natural expression of human life. The Baby Boomer generation’s worldview, on the other hand, is one of hostage-taking, where any act of service without pay is viewed as slavery. In contrast, I envision a world where the gifts we offer are freed by love, not bound by money.

I’ve taught this lesson to my children as well. I remember one instance where one of my children would often react to their sibling’s good news with jealousy. Over time, I noticed this response discouraged their sibling from sharing positive news altogether. I explained to them that their reactions shaped the world they lived in. They could either create a space where people felt comfortable sharing joy, or they could shut it down and live in a world filled with negativity. The choice was theirs, and it had nothing to do with money—it was about how they decided to engage with others. This approach has led to my children being less entitled, more peaceful, free, and creative. They know how to influence others with love and empathy.

In my professional life, I’ve also learned that true success isn’t driven solely by transactions. For ten years, I worked in tech sales, and in 2022, I became the most successful sales rep in my company’s history, earning over $550,000 as an individual contributor. But this success wasn’t achieved through sheer transactions alone. I learned that when sales were treated purely as a means to an end, opportunities often slipped away. When I shifted my approach—leading with empathy, building relationships, and genuinely caring about my clients—the deals not only came through faster but also grew larger. Clients shared my excitement, and the deals became more meaningful for all involved. While money is often obsessed with quantity, it was character that focused on quality. The lesson I took from this experience is clear: meaningful work isn’t about maximizing profit—it’s about fostering relationships and creating environments where everyone thrives.

This understanding also applies to the current global crises we are witnessing, most notably the genocide unfolding in Gaza, funded by the U.S. government and carried out by the Israeli government. The world’s governments, largely led by Boomers, are trapped in a worldview of scarcity and calamity. This worldview is on full display in the brutality being inflicted on the people of Gaza, as well as in the complicity of the U.S. government, which supports this violence. It is as though, in a last, desperate attempt to convince younger generations of the brutality of the world, we are being forced to live stream these horrors for over a year—most recently witnessing people burn alive on social media.

If I were one of these Boomers sitting on an outsized piece of the economic pie, I would take a completely different approach. I would take my wealth, my high credit score, and my capacity to leverage debt and use it to exit the financial system entirely. I would take out as much debt as possible and use that debt to buy real assets—land, homes, tangible goods—for my children. Then, I would default on all of it. There wouldn’t be more than $1,000 in any bank account in my name. I would invest in gold and silver as signs of real wealth and ignore the fear of missing out on stock market or real estate valuations. I would publicly apologize to both God and my kids for my complicity in creating an environment that prioritized my temporary comfort at the expense of their future. And I would rebel against that system in a loud and public way.

As a millennial, this is what I did. I went on strike against my $550,000-a-year job and ran up $1.25 million in debt, with no intention of ever paying it back. My credit score plummeted from 760 to 341 in a few short months. Temporarily, this has cost me time with my kids because my ex-wife, following in the path of her Boomer parents, values money over integrity. This is a cost I am willing to bear for now as I do my small part in dismantling the financial system that demands we sacrifice our children for the sake of our comfort. Because I refused to comply, I’ve suffered. I’ve lost access to my children, been abandoned by someone who pledged to love me forever, and been cast out by friends and family. But it was necessary. The financial system wields a power similar to alcoholism—most people are so addicted to money that they can’t even imagine a world where happiness comes from anywhere else. The withdrawal symptoms are real, but they are necessary.

This is not the world we have to live in. There is a better way, one that will honor the lives of those who have died, love those who are still living, and destroy the corrupt, monetary influence wielded by one of the most wicked generations in history. The world I envision is one where the cycle of violence and scarcity is replaced with a system of care, empathy, and shared abundance—one that rejects the destructive power of money and embraces the limitless potential of human connection and contribution.

In my search for alternatives, I’ve studied a range of thinkers, both classical and contemporary. From the philosophical insights of Aristotle, Plato, and the early Church Fathers, to the economic theories of Marx, Adam Smith, and Locke, I’ve gained a broad understanding of how society has been organized throughout history. More recently, I’ve engaged with contemporary proponents of market-based systems like Saifedean Ammous, Ayn Rand, Milton Friedman, Ludwig von Mises, and Murray Rothbard. Each of these thinkers, in their own way, has made significant contributions to the puzzle of human civilization. Their work has helped shape our understanding of how to organize society, and I respect the complexity of their ideas.

But I am not content to simply regurgitate their conclusions. This essay is my attempt to contribute to the ongoing conversation, not by critiquing without offering solutions, but by presenting a vision of a different way forward. A world where money, as we know it, becomes obsolete. A world where the central organizing principle is no longer debt or monetary exchange, but the simple and profound

 A Vision of a Moneyless Economy

In a visionary economic system that outlaws money, the focus shifts from monetary transactions to a communal approach where individuals are compensated through the intrinsic value of their contributions to society. This framework recognizes that work is not about creating goods in isolation, but about organizing and manifesting the existing potential of reality in ways that benefit the community as a whole.

In this system, individuals are valued not for their productivity in a traditional sense but for how they enhance the lives of others through their unique gifts. For example, a dentist providing care does so not for a fee but out of commitment to the well-being of their community. The result of their work is healthier smiles, fostering confidence and joy in the people they serve. This ethos is captured in 1 Peter 4:10: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” The emphasis is on stewarding one’s gifts for the benefit of others, rather than seeking personal gain.

This economic model challenges the idea that work exists purely as a means to earn a wage. Instead, work is understood as essential for organizing reality in a way that reflects divine order and beauty. This concept aligns with the creation narrative in Genesis 2:15, where humanity is tasked with “working and keeping” the garden. This symbolizes a role of stewardship, not labor for reward. The reality of the world is enriched through the intentional actions of individuals who contribute their talents, much like a symphony where each instrument plays its part for a harmonious outcome.

In such a system, the interdependence of individuals fosters a culture where everyone exercises their gifts for the common good. Just as the hand cannot say to the foot, “I have no need of you,” so too does each person contribute to the overall health of the community. When a teacher or healer uses their gifts, not only are they personally fulfilled, but the entire community benefits. For example, when a doctor shares their expertise without the barrier of payment, the community becomes healthier, flourishing in ways that extend beyond mere wealth accumulation. Wouldn’t it be better to live in a world full of healthy architects, florists, and chefs than to be wealthy in an unhealthy one?

Living in a world where good deeds are freely performed creates an environment of abundance rather than scarcity. People are no longer incentivized to hoard their skills or services behind a paywall; instead, they are encouraged to share and collaborate. This model unleashes human creativity and compassion, freeing people to contribute in ways that align with their passions. Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 4:16 emphasizes this: “From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Here, the flourishing of the community is directly tied to the active participation of all its members.

In this economy, contributing to a greater purpose brings joy and fosters deeper connections among people. Acts of service—whether teaching, healing, or caring for others—are carried out without the anxiety of financial transaction. This builds trust and camaraderie, creating a nurturing environment where every good deed adds to a collective sense of fulfillment. This echoes Galatians 5:13: “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

The principle of consent is central in this envisioned system. People are empowered to set their own terms regarding how and when they share their gifts, ensuring that contributions are freely given rather than coerced. This is in line with the wisdom of Matthew 7:6, which warns against “casting pearls before swine.” It emphasizes the importance of discernment in sharing gifts, fostering a culture where contributions are made in a spirit of goodwill, not obligation.

This economic model mirrors the dynamics found in healthy families, where parents provide love, care, and resources to their children without feeling obliged to do so. They nurture their children out of love, and children receive these gifts without a sense of entitlement. Ephesians 6:2-3 highlights this dynamic, showing how honoring one's parents brings about well-being and longevity. Such relationships are built on mutual respect and love, not transactional exchanges.

Furthermore, individuals can expect certain attitudes or character traits from those receiving their gifts. This cultivates an environment where accountability and respect are prioritized. For instance, a community gardener might choose to share produce with those who demonstrate care for the environment. This approach encourages growth in both skills and character, reinforcing that gifts should be exchanged within a framework of mutual respect and shared values.

This system promises a society characterized by cooperation, support, and shared purpose. People are driven not by fear of poverty or competition but by a desire to uplift one another. This creates a rich tapestry of relationships grounded in love and respect. Acts 2:44-45 illustrates this profound sense of community: “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” This shared responsibility leads to a more fulfilling existence for everyone involved.

In contrast, a money-based economy often fosters competition, greed, and inequality. The relentless pursuit of profit can lead to exploitation, shifting the focus from communal well-being to individual gain. Proverbs 11:28 warns, “Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.” This highlights the fragility of a system built on wealth accumulation, where individuals' inherent value is diminished, leading to societal fractures.

In this alternative economic vision, rooted in biblical principles, respect for consent ensures that people have the freedom to choose how they contribute their gifts. By mirroring the dynamics of healthy family relationships—where love is freely given and received without obligation—this model nurtures a community built on mutual respect and accountability. Ultimately, this creates a thriving environment where everyone is encouraged to engage willingly and joyfully, reflecting the love and grace at the core of Christian teachings.

The promise of this benevolent economy is a flourishing community, while a reliance on money guarantees a cycle of competition and disconnection, ultimately leading to societal decay. By embracing a system that celebrates gifts over currency, we can foster a world that reflects the love and grace espoused in these teachings.

Prosperity, Currency, and Value in a Moneyless Economy

In this vision of a moneyless economy, the primary source of prosperity is not found in material wealth or government-sanctioned systems of control, but in human freedom and creativity. These are the products of the human mind and free will—gifts that are inherent to every person. This economic model recognizes that true wealth comes from the ability to imagine, create, and contribute freely, without the coercive forces of man-made laws, taxes, or usury that punish individuals for not conforming to imposed standards.

In this new system, the currency is honor and recognition—values that reflect a deep respect for the contributions each person makes to the community. This honor may have a physical manifestation in items like gold and silver, symbols of real wealth that stand in stark contrast to the paper currency and debt-based financial structures that currently dominate the world. However, even these tangible forms of wealth are rooted in something deeper: the recognition of human worth and the value of the gifts that each person brings to the table.

There is no room in this system for coercion, manipulation, or punishment. Usury—the practice of charging interest on loans, which binds people to debt they cannot escape—has no place here. Nor do taxes or laws that punish people for either doing what others don’t want them to do or failing to do what others desire. In this vision, the only true governing principle is love. Those who love themselves, this world, and others will thrive. They will prosper in an economy that values their creativity, their willingness to contribute, and their ability to see the good in others.

On the other hand, those who operate from a malicious worldview—who do not love themselves, who scorn others, or who see the world as a place of scarcity and competition—will suffer the natural consequences of their mindset. Isolation, poverty, and even death will be the fate of those who fail to understand that human connection, creativity, and love are the true sources of prosperity. The pursuit of control, domination, and wealth accumulation, in this new vision, leads only to self-inflicted exile.

This economy flourishes where there is trust, mutual respect, and a genuine desire to see others thrive. When people operate from a place of love, they unlock not just their own potential but the potential of the entire community. And in this world, the consequence of neglecting love is not imposed by an external authority—it arises naturally. Those who isolate themselves from love, who prioritize control over cooperation, will find themselves left behind in a system that no longer values the brute force of wealth or coercion.

Thus, love becomes the primary value and the driving force of this new economy. It is both the engine of human creativity and the measure of wealth. Those who embrace this truth will find their lives enriched by community, by the freedom to contribute meaningfully, and by the honor that comes from recognizing and being recognized by others. Those who reject it will suffer the inevitable consequences of their isolation, losing access to the very things that make life meaningful.

Action Steps for Building a Moneyless Economy

For those inspired by the vision of a moneyless economy, here are some practical action steps to begin shifting your mindset and dismantling the current monetary system:

For Those with Means:

1. Dismantle the System: If you have the financial capacity, consider going on strike against your high-paying job. Run up debt, default on it, and destroy your credit score as a way to exit the monetary economy and reject its influence.
2. Challenge the System: Legally challenge the enforcement of debt contracts by making the case that contracts secured with debt and its tokens (dollars) are illegitimate because they lack valid consideration. Since the plaintiff suffers no real loss, they have no standing to sue. Without standing, courts have no jurisdiction, and any action taken against you would create an injury, making the plaintiff and the court criminally liable. Learn how to express this argument to lawyers, companies, judges, and sheriffs. For more details and sample letters, see Appendix C of my book Usury: The Civilization Killer
3. Invest in Real Assets: Use debt to acquire tangible assets like land, homes, and resources for your children and community. Consider investing in gold and silver as symbols of true wealth and independence from the financial system.

For Those without Means:

1. Work with Purpose: Continue working for money in the short term but prioritize showing up for others who can pay you in honor, the new currency of a moneyless economy.
2. Celebrate Success: Practice celebrating the successes of others instead of responding with jealousy or envy, just as you would want others to celebrate your victories.
3. Build Empathy: In your relationships, set your ego aside. Practice empathy, understanding, and care, just as I did in my sales career. Relationships built on trust and empathy will be central to the new economy.
4. Learn How to Set and Enforce Boundaries: No one has the right to disrespect you or force their malevolent worldview on you. You always have the right to say “no” to others. Without a “no,” your “yes” is meaningless. If someone disrespects you, you are not obligated to serve them. Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining your integrity and for preserving the value of your contributions.

Transform Your Mindset:

1. Root Out the Malicious Worldview: Search your soul and identify any aspects of the negative worldview you wish to reject. Replace it with a benevolent worldview where you affirm God's goodness, the goodness of creation, and your own inherent goodness.
2. Use Positive Affirmations: Start with affirmations like “My thoughts are really positive today.” When you have a positive thought, say, “That’s who I am.” When you have a negative thought, say, “That’s not who I am. I am better than that thought because my thoughts are really positive today.” Over time, this practice will replace negative thoughts with positive ones through self-awareness and discipline.
3. Fast from Money: Challenge yourself by going for a period of time without using money. See how you can accomplish things and relate to others without financial transactions. This will help you shift your focus from monetary to relational value.

Embrace Pain as Growth:

1. Accept Suffering as Refinement: Learn to accept pain and suffering not as punishment, but as discipline and refinement. Embrace hardship as a necessary process of growth and transformation.

Develop a Gratitude Practice:

1. Be Grateful for Challenges: Practice gratitude, especially for things that others might use as reasons for bitterness or resentment. Shift your focus and be thankful for challenges, seeing them as opportunities for growth and resilience.

Practice Forgiveness:

1. Forgive Yourself and Others: Forgive yourself for past participation in the old monetary system. Extend forgiveness to others the moment you sense genuine repentance, allowing for growth and healing.

Be Generous with Time and Resources:

1. Support Those with Hearts of Gold: Be generous with your time and resources, especially towards those who may not have much money but have hearts full of love and goodness. Show up for those who operate from love and contribute to the well-being of the community.

By taking these steps, you’ll begin to align yourself with the values and principles of a moneyless economy and contribute to a future built on love, creativity, and human freedom.