What Happens When Money Stops Working?

[RobertPummer]

Imagine waking up tomorrow and discovering that every dollar you own is still there, but money itself has become useless.


You still need food. Shelter. Heat. Medicine. Tools. Someone who knows how to repair things.


That question became one of the ideas behind The Good Earth Saga. Earth has left its orbit, and the people who survive discover that rebuilding civilization isn't primarily a question of wealth. It's a question of what people can actually make, grow, repair, teach, and contribute.


It made me wonder: If money suddenly stopped working, what would become valuable first?


Food? Land? Practical skills? Tools? Knowledge? Community?


I'm curious how other science-fiction readers and writers would approach it.

 

[RobertPummer]

I’ve been thinking about this from the other direction. If money suddenly stopped being useful, what skill would you personally have that your neighbors would still value?

 

[Cicero]

I’ve been thinking about this from the other direction. If money suddenly stopped being useful, what skill would you personally have that your neighbors would still value?

In my case, none that would be of any use.

 

[Stanley Steamboy]

In a world without all the stuff one buys with money, how much value does money have at all? If everyone is farming/gardening, just how many other special skills are necessary beyond what already exists in the populace? Are there not enough plumbers, welders, factory workers and doctors already? Can they not teach their trades?