Can anyone come up with a real definition of the word "GREED"?

Acute Acquisitiveness

Greed at it`s extremes is the worship of money above all other concerns.. Although often associated, greed and wealth are two separate entities. A wealthy person may make a significant impact upon the world by helping those less fortunate that otherwise may not have been possible... While the greedy, may lose meaning altogether and lead a lonely, unfulfilled life from the constant need for hoarding more money.

Having stuff does not make you greedy. It's having stuff and never having enough that does.

You mentioned the instrument collector. He's no different than a book collector or a stamp collector. That's what gives him pleasure. He probably doesn't neglect his bills or go without food or rob others to add to his collection. If he did, he could be called greedy.

The guy with the money might seem greedy or a miser, but he could also be donating major money to good causes or even be behind the scholarship your friend is using to go to school. Bill Gates is a good example. Through the Gates Foundation he is donating more than he is earning these days. That is what he wants to do.

It's better not to judge.

"L"s answer touches on a very good point: Its effect on others.

Just because someone has a lot of money doesn't mean he/she is greedy. (It means they're wealthy.)

Just because someone has a lot of guitars (to use your example), or collects cars, doesn't mean he/she is greedy. It means they probably like to collect things and have the money to spend on their hobby or passion.

Just because someone has two PhDs doesn't mean he/she is greedy. Greedy for what? Education?

Greed is (rough definition here) a very strong drive to accumulate money or other markers or wealth at the expense of others.

And let me repeat: Just being wealthy (or rich) does NOT make someone greedy. Earning money is fine. And many wealthy/rich people have made money by providing products or services that other people want and willingly pay for. That even applies to those incredibly-paid entertainers and sports figures. They make money because their fans pay for tickets and other merchandise that the fans want to buy. So what if some actor makes $20 million a movie? That money is coming from people willing, even eager, to pay for it.

Hope that helps.

If a wealthy PERSON has 1 billon$ but still greedy for more money, then this person is POOR because he still feeling the shortage of money; on the other hand if a person earns 25K/year and is content and not feeling any shortage, then this person is not poor; See here rich or poor is only a perception and a feeling, and it's the greedy makes the difference.

Hay, in this aspect; Everyone has a 'greed' for something.

Some for Love, and some for Money; some for Fame, and some for the Game; but, as for Myself, it is the greed for Knowledge; for I can never get enough of that.

ADDED: (oops, caps lock)

Hoov: Aw, common, choose one, we really do not care for the Voting. We want that from you; as we 'greed' for your input.

Input,,,,,,,input.........we need input!! - (Johnny 5)

Yes as another pointed to greed is not a thing or attitude in itself - it is in relation to something else. In this case that "something else" is supply.

Greed relates to the idea of limited supply "I better get a whole bunch to be safe because there may not be enough to go around." This of coarse over time becomes pathological and takes a momentum of its own... transfers that way of thinking to many areas of ones life.

Intent is of utmost importance with your question. Is the rich guy intending to protect himself from possible lack of supply or does he just have a good job that pays really well. Intent is all that matters. Power goes hand in hand with greed - power ensures you won't have to worry too much about going without food, luxury, etc.

Greed to me (hoarding and gathering at the expense of others well-being) is pathological. It results from fear of lack. The fear of your needs not being met and it is in pretty much all of us in varying degrees.

Like many terms, it's completely subjective. I'd say greed is when a person wants to take so much that their taking becomes detrimental to the well being of others.

I agree with you-greed is whatever you think it is..as are most things.

No-greed isn't limited to money..it can go for just about anything in excess, knowledge, fitness, love, attention, fame,power..all of it.

The personification of the abundance of need!