This quote is a commentary on the nature and function of money. It suggests that money, in any form, only serves its purpose when it is in circulation, being exchanged for goods, services, or other forms of value. When money is not being used, it loses its function as a medium of exchange and becomes a mere object, or “coin”.

In essence, the value of money is not intrinsic; it is not valuable in and of itself, but rather, its value lies in its ability to be exchanged for something else. It is a means to an end, not an end in itself. Therefore, it only becomes money in the true sense when it is part of the flow of exchange in an economy.

Bringing this concept to the modern world, we can think about the importance of money circulation in a healthy economy. When money is being spent and circulated, businesses thrive, jobs are created, and the economy grows. However, when money is hoarded or not spent, it can lead to economic stagnation or recession. This is why during economic downturns, governments often implement policies to stimulate spending and get money circulating again.

In terms of personal development, we can think of this quote as a metaphor. Just like money, our skills, talents, and abilities are only valuable when they are put to use. If we hoard our talents and never use them, they become like a coin that is not in circulation. They lose their value. Therefore, to truly realize our potential, we must put our abilities into action.

Furthermore, just as money is a means to an end, so too are our skills and abilities. They are not valuable in and of themselves, but because of what they allow us to achieve. Thus, the focus should not be on acquiring skills for the sake of having them, but on using them to achieve our goals and contribute to the world around us.