I agree that money is a modicum of exchange, but I would argue that this implies that it is indeed a social contract: It is something that all parties in a community agree upon, because without that agreement people would not be able to exchange it effectively.

I think the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is a huge and loaded subject; however I agree that as an individual one *can* make plenty of money without assuming social responsibility. This does not mean that one should do so. And, in fact, if too many individuals — particularly those who have a lot of money — do not wield their power wisely and responsibly, the whole system is in jeopardy.