Money

Author Richard Grimes speaks truth in a way that so very few dare. He touches on the much under-documented Rockefeller Administration during the 70s and 80s in poverty stricken West Virginia. In this feeble age where family dynasties permeate our American landscape, the Rockefeller name is no small player in the game. One could never know just how powerful, and yet decievingly humble the now Senator Jay Rockefeller was during those dusty days of Mountain State politics. Grimes shows what those in West Virginia must have known for decades: Rockefeller played savior to a needy state, but only got as far as his family dollar would allow. Grimes' evenhanded, yet painfully honest writing represents last from a rare breed of 'old school' journalists. The writing in this book is some of the best that this generation has to offer. His work continues to serve as an inspiration to me. Kudos Grimes!!!

In many ways THE KABBALAH OF MONEY is more about time management than it is about money. A theme that weaves its way through the book is that the optimal use of one's time is to devote it to study and learning - not just any studying, however, but the study of the Torah. In Jewish tradition, time is to be divided between study, work, and physiological needs (eating, sleeping, elimination, and leisure). All of our free time, once our work and physiological needs have been met should be devoted to study.

In this book, Rabbi Bonder brings together his knowledge of the working of the "marketplace" with Jewish ethical teachings, Talmudic Interpretations, teachings of the Hasidic Masters, Jewish Mysticism, and logical analysis. Here, marketplace is variously described as: a market of exchanges and interactions which represents "the infinite quantity of small and great businesses that take place in the universe at any given minute" and as a place where "each individual's fitness to survive is in accordance with his or her own perception of what survival is."

In keeping with the time theme, one of the problems to be faced has to do with devoting one's time to amassing wealth. In other words, how much is too much? Time that is spent with the objective of accumulating wealth (beyond that which meets our own needs and is beneficial to others) represents a two pronged loss. First of all, the creation of this type of wealth creates an offsetting scarcity. Secondly it involves wasting time that could, and should, be better spent in study. In contemporary terms, the accumulation of excess wealth is not ecologically sound.

Another area of discussion is the relationship of God to the marketplace. Rabbi Bonder states that "when a person prays only for material gains his pleas and efforts are wasted. This is because a curtain is brought down between himself and God as a result of material things having been brought into the domain of the spirit.

This book has had an impact on the way I conduct my life. Before reading it, my standard reaction to anyone asking for a handout was a knee-jerk reaction that he'll probably just use it to get drunk. After reading Bonder's section on dealing with beggars and how these dealings affect the marketplace, I came to 2 realizations:

1. So what if he does use it for drink. He probably needs the drink more than I need the dollar.

and

2. Who am I to judge anyway.

I highly recommend this book. In spite of its brevity it's not an easy read. I have barely touched the surface of a few of the concepts of what the dust jacket refers to as "a broad and ethical view of economic behavior including all forms of exchange and human interaction, from how we spend our money to how we fulfill our role as responsible human beings in a global ecological framework."

This book, even though scientifically written, can't help but pull emotional strings. It actually makes sense of the pathological means with which abusive parents treat their children, and how they rationalize. It also shows how this phenomenon has embedded itself into our culture.

Everyone should read this book!Now!It's the best book ever!It helped me through all of my financial problems.Buy it right now! I said NOW!Thank you for reading my input on this book{It's the truth!}

A quick, enjoyable and incredibly utilitarian read. Trevis, a bonafide expert on sales from the other side of aisle, exposes some secrets that salesman use to coax unlikely buyers into spending more. He walks you through the process of being an expert negotiator even with the pushiest of salesman. Trevis preaches, be polite but firm and above all an educated buyer. Pretty much common sense. But Trevis masterfully puts it all together. Then he goes way beyond that to offer clever tactics for saying "no," advice on how to stoically manage your emotions during a bargaining session, and when to walk away. Loaded with amusing anecdotes of his own buying experiences with his uncle, father-in-law and other assorted family members. You want a guy like Trevis by your side when purchasing a car or some other big-ticket item. Probably not practical since he lives in New Jersey. Though no doubt purchasing his book would be the next best thing. -- Eric Dondero, Author, Worldwide Multilingual Phrase Book & Vacation Spanish

Dr. Glahe has a true mind for economics both past and present. He gives a reader of Keynes a practical way to look at a work that effects us still today. By using real world examples Dr. Glahe shows how Keyne's thought will be applicable for years to come.

This book was amazing! I loved now I get a good allowance and am very happy Mrs. Nathan could write such a master peice! This book rocks you should read it too!

Do you think you know a lot about math? This book reveals the most obscure origins of everything mathematic. The chapter on measurement is a must-read. Fun for kids and hilariously entertaining for parents. Don't miss this one!

Through role playing, games,and activities, you'll learn how and when to give an allowance, how to instill a work ethic, how to teach sharing ... and the other values your children will use their entire lives.

I have been a limited partner in venture firms for over twenty years. Karen Southwick's "fly on the ceiling" view of actual general partners meetings was an eye opener. She pulls no punches such as a general partner's comments on one firm, "I've basically given up on the company. They did everything I told them not to. There's no CEO. They're going to run out of money and I don't want to write another check"... "I've totally lost confidence in the team". This honest reporting of behind the scenes action makes the book a must read for anyone interested in venture capital and Silicon Valley.