Canadian novelist and philosopher John Ralston Saul is well-known for his sharp observations on modern society. He expressed in one of his writings the notion that issues become genuinely significant when people and societies start to firmly believe that money is the answer.

Saul's observation can be interpreted as a reflection of how societies tend to prioritize financial fixes over more fundamental problems. Similar to pouring water into a broken bucket, the underlying leak persists unchecked even though the surface issue may appear to be resolved. People are essentially ignoring larger societal, environmental, or personal issues when they begin to think that having money will solve all of their problems.

This viewpoint is especially pertinent in today's world, where economic indicators frequently trump other indicators of development and prosperity. By acknowledging the limitations of money as a solution to difficult social problems, Saul challenges us to think about a more comprehensive approach to problem-solving.