For in truth, most men, with little care whence they come or whither they go, place all their thoughts and care upon the weak and fleeting goods of this life; contrary to nature and right reason they willingly give themselves up to those ways of which their reason tells them they should be the masters. It is a short step from the desire of luxury to the striving after the means to obtain it. Hence arises an unbridled greed for money, which blinds those whom it has led captive, and in the fulfillment of its passion hurries them madly along, often without regard for justice or injustice, and not seldom accompanied by a disgraceful contempt for the poverty of their neighbor. Thus many who live in the lap of luxury call themselves brethren of the multitude whom in their heart of hearts they despise; and in the same way with minds puffed up by pride, they take no thought to obey any law, or fear any power. (Papal Writings, Exeunte Iam Anno, 25 December 1888 ).
The massive, unprecedented destruction of entire environmental systems, extinctions of species ad pollution of waters and the atmosphere is due to the greed of human societies running out of control.
I believe the power to make money is a gift from God, similar to the instincts for art, music, literature, the doctor's talent, the nurse's, yours. It has to be developed and used to the best of our ability for the good of mankind. Having been endowed with the gift I possess, I believe it is my duty to make money, and still more money, and to use the money I make for the good of my fellow men, according to the dictates of my conscience. (John D. Rockefeller Sr., 1839-1937).