Thus, at least potentially, the change in our system of dependence can
increase our security. However, it does not always do so (see Part II). Indeed,
that we now depend on the economy and not on particular persons we
know well can make us less secure if the economy works poorly, as it often
does. Still, the potential for wealth to make us more secure remains and
feeds one of the deepest motivations we have to pursue wealth and attempt
to transform our societies into wealthy societies.