Karl Marx

Money’s properties are my – the possessor’s – properties and essential powers.  Thus, what I am and am capable of is by no means determined by my individuality.  

I am ugly, but I can buy for myself the most beautiful of women.  Therefore I am not ugly, for the effect of ugliness – its deterrent power – is nullified by money. 

(From Marx's 1844 work, "The Power of Money.")