Mushrooms as the new currency

Mushrooms have long been a symbol of wealth and abundance in literature and folklore. In the classic novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” the eponymous Alice finds herself in a fantastical land where she encounters a field of mushrooms, which she uses as a means of exchange to purchase items from the other inhabitants of the land. The mushrooms are a perfect currency in this strange world because they are abundant, easy to come by, and hold a certain level of mystique and value in the eyes of the other characters.

Furthermore, mushrooms have a unique property that makes them particularly well-suited for use as a currency: they are highly versatile. Just like money, mushrooms can be traded for a wide variety of goods and services, from food and shelter to luxury items and experiences. And, unlike traditional forms of currency, which can only be used in specific contexts, mushrooms can be used in almost any situation, making them a convenient and flexible means of exchange.

But the benefits of mushrooms as a currency extend beyond their practicality and versatility. In a world where the value of traditional forms of currency is often tied to the fluctuations of the global economy, mushrooms offer a stable and reliable alternative. Since they are a natural, renewable resource, the supply of mushrooms is not subject to the same forces that can cause inflation and devaluation in other forms of currency.

Furthermore, the use of mushrooms as a currency can have a positive impact on the environment. Unlike the mining and manufacturing processes required to produce traditional forms of currency, the harvesting of mushrooms has a minimal impact on the ecosystem. And, since mushrooms are a naturally occurring part of the environment, their use as a currency can help to promote sustainable, eco-friendly economic practices.

Of course, there are those who would argue that the use of mushrooms as a currency is impractical, and that the inherent value of money lies in its ability to be easily transported and stored. But this argument fails to take into account the many innovative solutions that could be developed to address these issues. For example, specialized mushroom-based debit cards or mobile payment systems could be created to facilitate the easy transfer of value, while secure storage solutions could be developed to protect against theft or loss.

In conclusion, mushrooms have the potential to be a powerful and revolutionary form of currency. With their abundance, versatility, stability, and environmental benefits, they offer a compelling alternative to traditional forms of money. It may be tempting to dismiss the idea as fanciful or unrealistic, but the truth is that the use of mushrooms as a currency is not only possible, but also highly desirable. So let us embrace this exciting new economic paradigm, and let the mushrooms flow like the rivers of gold.

Martijn Benders has published twenty-six books, eighteen of which are in Dutch. He has been named one of the greatest talents of his time by critics like Komrij and Gerbrandy. He has also written three philosophical works, one of which is in English about the Amanita Muscaria, the Fly Agaric. Publishing on the international stage of The Philosophical Salon, he has also gained international recognition as one of the most remarkable thinkers from the Netherlands.