NTGNTP (6th Draft): CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCE Part 1.8.0

8. On Capital:

Money changes hands in return for an actual commodity. Money is no longer representative of any standard. Currency cannot be undermined by world financial markets. Indeed, stateless capital has even appeared.[21] Money has changed its meaning. Rather than based upon gold, money is based upon a combination of factors, broadly termed clout. Perception is a basis for clout. Obviously, sheer national economic strength is the deciding component. The US, Great Britain, Germany, France, Switzerland and Japan all enjoy relatively stable economies reflected in their respective currencies. These each can erode the others through clout. Lesser parties could accomplish the same by convincing the masses of a devaluation. Indeed, rumors can sometimes negatively impact entire economies. Bank runs, stock and bond markets crashes have been influenced in this manner. Often some will profit at the expense of others. This position could prove an achilles heel, especially where the motivation is not profit. An unforeseen mitigating crisis could bring down the whole house of cards. Of course, this could occur by accident. Credit and its accompanying debt may be the key. The devices of modern accounting may accomplish more than guns or bombs...