Chrematism
/ˈkrɛm.ə.tɪz.əm/noun
The pursuit or accumulation of wealth as an end in itself.
Did you know?The term echoes Aristotle’s distinction between useful household exchange and wealth-seeking pursued without apparent limit, a critique that still shadows modern capitalism.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gher- / *gherē-
“A reconstructed root associated with needing or requiring; the precise relationship to later Greek forms is debated.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
χρῆ (chrē)
“It is necessary; there is need.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
χρῆμα (chrēma)
“A thing needed, matter, affair, property, or money.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
χρηματισμός (chrēmatismos)
“Business, money-making, or the acquisition and management of wealth.”
19th Century
English
chrematism
“The pursuit of wealth, especially wealth regarded as an ultimate goal.”
Modern English
English
chrematism
“The accumulation of money or wealth for its own sake.”
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