Is love really a function of money and power? by Ferdinand P. Dela Rosa

Is Love Really a Function of Money and Power? by Ferdinand Dela Rosa

The question of whether love can be influenced by money and power is one that has preoccupied my thoughts for some time. Can love be quantified, and if so, does wealth and influence truly hold sway over it? In my search for answers, I’ve considered economic theories, framing love as a dependent variable in an equation where money and power are independent factors. Despite my efforts to analyze this through a linear model, I find myself left with more questions than answers, suggesting that perhaps love resists such a simplistic approach.

One of the reasons I find this relationship so fascinating is the undeniable pattern seen in society, where beautiful women are often drawn to wealthy, powerful men. Models, celebrities, and others who embody traditional standards of beauty seem to gravitate toward those at the top of the social hierarchy: politicians, entrepreneurs, athletes, and artists. These men, fortified with status and financial means, seem to attract “ideal” partners effortlessly, bypassing the traditional expectations of romance. This raises a compelling question: does material wealth and social influence create an appeal that transcends traditional courtship?

From an economic standpoint, we can draw on concepts such as utility maximization and resource allocation to explore this phenomenon. Wealth and power are resources that can elevate one’s perceived value in a social marketplace. According to classical economics, individuals act to maximize their own utility. Here, utility may equate to security, comfort, or a higher quality of life—attributes often associated with financial success and social status. In this light, money and power function as proxies for stability and desirability, often drawing admiration and attention that one might interpret as love or attraction.

Economic philosophers like Adam Smith have explored the interplay of self-interest in human relationships. In The Wealth of Nations, Smith argued that individuals often act in pursuit of personal benefit, a notion that extends to social bonds. If relationships are approached as exchanges—seeking to optimize happiness, security, or status—then wealth and influence become significant factors in the decision-making process. This line of thinking suggests that people may view love not as an altruistic, unconditional phenomenon but as a strategic partnership where resources and benefits are carefully evaluated.

Thorstein Veblen, in The Theory of the Leisure Class, introduced the idea of conspicuous consumption, where wealth is flaunted to signify social status. In romantic relationships, individuals with considerable resources may naturally attract others who value the lifestyle or security such wealth offers. Thus, wealth becomes an allure, enabling those with financial means to transcend the conventions of courtship.

However, not all economic theories support the notion that love is merely transactional. John Stuart Mill, for example, emphasized the importance of individual well-being and fulfillment beyond economic gain. In On Liberty, he argued that true happiness involves freedom from dependency on material wealth, suggesting that authentic love might emerge independently of financial or social leverage. According to this view, love is an intrinsic human experience, one that may not be defined by external resources but by a deeper personal connection.

Reflecting on these diverse perspectives, I find that love remains an enigmatic force, even in a world so driven by wealth and power. While it is true that money and influence can create attraction and admiration, they alone cannot sustain love’s essence. After all, the material aspects of our world are inherently temporal, subject to decay and impermanence. Wealth and status may bring comfort and prestige, but they cannot ensure the loyalty, respect, or genuine emotional bond that true love requires.

Ultimately, as we live in a world defined by fleeting material possessions, we are reminded that there is a deeper purpose beyond financial gain. To experience a love that endures, we must align ourselves with values beyond those dictated by economics. By seeking a higher purpose, perhaps grounded in spiritual beliefs or God’s will, we can discover a love that withstands the trials of life, one that transcends the limitations of our worldly desires.