Want to learn the ideas in The Soul of Money better than ever? Read the world’s #1 book summary of The Soul of Money by Lynn Twist here.
Read a brief 1-Page Summary or watch video summaries curated by our expert team. Note: this book guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the publisher or author, and we always encourage you to purchase and read the full book.
Video Summaries of The Soul of Money
We’ve scoured the Internet for the very best videos on The Soul of Money, from high-quality videos summaries to interviews or commentary by Lynn Twist.
1-Page Summary of The Soul of Money
Money Doesn’t Change People; People Do
The Achuar people in the Amazon use money to save their rainforest, since they have recently become more involved with the economy. However, money also controls them and incites them to do things like kill each other for profit. Money is not only a quantifying instrument but also a qualifying one that can be used for good or evil purposes.
Lynne Twist and her husband were living a materialistic life, but when she learned about the Hunger Project, it changed everything. This message appealed to her soul and made her change course. She started studying the issue of hunger and becoming an activist for it. Money became less important to her as a means of acquiring things that would make them happy, instead choosing to use money as a way to convey goodwill.
The way people usually think, feel and act suggests that money and soul occupy separate worlds. People believe that money brings out the worst in them, while peace and purpose come from their souls. This causes anguish for many people who want to change themselves for the better.
Hidden Wounds
Even though the author has traveled around the world for several years, India surprised her with its own unique set of problems. She found that people in poverty are as likely to abuse others as those who are rich, and she also learned from Mother Teresa that everyone deserves compassion. The world is full of suffering but it’s important to confront and examine your own suffering while you help other people overcome theirs.
During this time, Twist was trying to raise money from people. She used to just ask them for it, but she later realized that the best way to get people’s attention is by telling them a story about how they can help make the world a better place.
“Myths of Scarcity”
The world has enough food to feed everyone, but many people still believe that there isn’t enough. This belief comes from the current culture and history. The culture tells us that we should put ourselves first and ignore others in order to succeed, while history tells us that we’re not safe unless we take care of ourselves by hoarding as much as possible.
There is a scarcity mentality in our world. It’s about understanding the three myths associated with it: 1) There isn’t enough, 2) more is better and 3) self-interest over others.
- The hardest myth to question is the belief that broken systems can’t be changed. It’s easy to think that they’re permanent and unchangeable, especially when you’ve accepted them as a part of your life.
To recognize the currency of these myths in your life, heed the seemingly innocent sayings or customs that reinforce your sense of scarcity. Remind yourself that they are false.
The Truth of Sufficiency
Money is what you make of it. You don’t have to succumb to the fear and cynicism that comes with a scarcity mindset, because there’s always enough for everyone. People in drought-stricken areas like Senegal can find solutions if they look within themselves instead of giving up on their dreams.
Money is not a bad thing, especially if you’re dealing with it in moderation. However, it’s important to know when enough is enough and to trust yourself and your abilities instead of spending money on things that don’t matter. You can do this by focusing on what you have instead of what you want; this will make you feel more satisfied with the results because they are based on wholeness rather than acquisition.
“Money Is Like Water”
Analogies are a great way to convey ideas. For example, water is a good analogy for money because they’re both essential for life and give life when you share them. However, if you hold onto your water or money too tightly, it will stagnate and become useless.
