To think that anyone can be persuaded by money?

[SnugShaker]

People love to say they have principles, that they’d never compromise their morals or beliefs for money. But is that really true?

When the stakes are high enough - whether it’s a dream job, financial security or just an offer too good to refuse - most people have a price. It doesn’t have to be outright bribery but money has a way of changing minds, influencing decisions and making people justify things they once swore they’d never do.

AIBU to think that in the right circumstances, almost anyone can be persuaded by money? Or are there really people who are completely immune to it?

Everyone's got a price. Unfortunately I've never met anyone offering it to me!

I think it depends on the circumstances individuals are in and degrees. I’m not driven/motivated by money at all really so in most cases more money or extra money wouldn’t change an opinion or action of mine.

It’s easy though for me to do this as I have enough money to cover basics. If I was struggling to live with children who were going hungry I’m sure there would be lots of things I’d do for money that I currently wouldn’t even consider.

It depends....

I have enough basic income / savings that I have the privilege to have principles and say no to things.

20 years ago when I had sweet FA apart from debt my choices were more limited and principles were likely a lot more flexible.

Yeah if starving and desperate, most people would do pretty much anything for money (myself included). However as someone financially comfortable with a nice life, I wouldn't do something awful for money that hurt someone else or hurt myself, what would be the point? I only work 4.5 days as I value my work life balance and I'd not take a job for more money unless I knew it wouldn't be more hours. I can't think of any examples where I'd be swayed tbh.

A dream job wouldn’t challenge your principles though.

If I was homeless and starving would I take money for sex - probably yes. If I was offered £1m for sex now? No. Not because I’m super wealthy but I’m comfortable and have no burning desire to be a millionaire. With lots of money comes responsibility I’m not sure I have the energy to take on.

I had a scenario in my old job where I was asked to do something against my principles for a significant rise in my salary and I declined. However, I was earning a lot of money already so arguably I can’t say what I would have done if I had been in financial difficulty but I would like to think it would have been the same choice

I'm someone who openly admits that I would do something for money. Not murder but if I was offered 1 Mill for sleeping with someone I would do. I don't have a high paying job though so probably why I would

I don't think I could harm or murder someone for money (well I guess it depends on the person).

But I would probably do just about anything else.

Principles and morals don't pay the bills.

we have this convo all the time. I wouldn’t do anything criminal or that would cause myself or others material harm.

however everyone has a price when it comes to questions like how much would you let someone poo in your mouth for or how much to go on naked dating (£5M and £3M respectively for me I think).

That’s the whole premise of the movie Indecent Proposal.

Money isn't that important, so there are many things I wouldn't do for money.
I have been poor, and not so poor, my principles stay the same.

Fuck principles, how much are we talking?

Hell yes. I was offered money for something. I thought about it.

Then I accepted it.

I'm not going to lie and say that the sum of money didn't play a part.

But then, is that wrong as such? Not really. Money is just a numerical expression of the value of the thing. It's neutral.

Obviously you can accept money for bad things - would I break the law knowingly for money. Absolutely not. No, never. No amount of money would persuade me.

If there was absolutely no chance of being found out? Probably not 😂 I mean these hypothetical scenarios don't arise anyway 😆

My adult child told me a story about Joseph Heller (my favourite author). Apparently he was invited by a friend to a party. Said friend said to Joseph, look at these people, they are so wealthy, you must be as envious as I am. No, said Heller, because I've got something they will never have.

Whats that enquired friend. "Enough" said Heller.

Most of us who have enough don't envy those who have more.

So to an extent, the opening poster is right. If you don't have enough (whatever "enough" means to you) then money may be able to buy you.

I guess it's about where you think the "enough" line is drawn for you.

What's your price?

If I had enough I wouldn’t compromise my principles

Until then I will fantasise about doing anything, legal or illegal to get to ‘enough’.

I have enough to cover the basics. I am happy. But course I’d sell out for cash!

I would definitely be persuaded by money. But there are still things I'd never do, such as any job that involved animal exploitation, like being a butcher or something like that. I wouldn't do that for any amount of money.

No, I wouldn’t. I’d worry about the tax implications.

It depends. I am "principled" but it's aided by the fact that nobody is ever gonna test that with sufficient cash.

I'd do absolutely anything if the price was right though

I don’t think I have a price, the exception being if someone was threatening to harm my children for ransom or something like that. I have a history of walking away from much needed money because of ethics.

As for the examples given by one PP, never - how awful.

It really depends on the person.

I don't agree. I simply cannot be bought.

Very much depends on what you’re asked to compromise. Loved ones, not a chance.

I'm pretty happy with my current financial position, which is supposed to be around the sweet spot at which extra money ceases to bring happiness.

I didn't apply to jobs with the exact same skillset that paid 45% more than my current role at a charity because I was confident that my skills would absolutely be used unethically. In fact I am planning to leave my job in a few years to freelance at an affordable rate for small charities who need my skills and who couldn't otherwise afford them.

I'm really good with money, earn well already and I don't like flash things. And I want my son to be as proud of me as I am of my dad, who is the most selfless and generous person I know.