The Occupy Wall Street movement, quickly gaining prevalence throughout the United States, has only reinforced what is commonly known as fact: it’s all about the money.

Money is a powerful force, much more so than some people are willing to accept. For greed to consume someone so fiercely, so completely, over a few thousand pieces of paper is a difficult concept to grasp. Those born into money, already propelled to the top, strive to make more; those who were not can spend their entire lives endeavoring to make their mark on the planet.

When did money become the deciding factor for making an impact? Granted, financial stability provides a great deal of comfort, as well as the education necessary to have a successful career, but through the course of human history it seems like humankind’s only goal is to make money.

This isn’t a war cry on the affluent; there are those who not only worked hard to achieve that status, but made real changes to the world. However, many view money not as a helpful object along one’s way to pursuing the life they wish, but as the ultimate destination.

I would rather be known for doing something great, perhaps being a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, or even being a local journalist known and admired for her stories, than for living life by going through the motions, waiting for my paycheck. Whether you touch the lives of a few people or the entire world with your actions, at least you know you made a difference. If it requires money, so be it.

Money can never, will never, buy happiness. It is up you to decide what does.