The previous link is to something few will want to wade through. Sorry about that. In most cases I read or have read everything that I link to. In this case of the previous Mises link, I have only read portions and scanned some other portions. It is pretty dry reading, but some of it is fascinating.......... but probably not the fare for the average Market Talk reader.

Here is something more down to earth that explains the difference between money and currency, and gives a good example of how currency depreciates in value.

The purpose of money

Some will question the value of even discussing such matters. After all, what is the chance of any significant changes actually coming about? Will not the status quo just keep going on? So what is the value of discussing things we can not effect change? My answer would be that things that are unsustainable will eventually change. The change may not come about quickly, or maybe even in our lifetime. But education is what prepares us for change when it does happen. If extreme change happens and no one is prepared to fill the void with a better alternative, bad things can come about. The more people understand how things really are, the more likely when the unsustainable runs its course, the more likely there will be people to pick up the pieces and replace the failed system with something better.

That is why it is worth discussing.

Unfortunately for many, ignorance is bliss.

John