There are some really good thoughts and questions here. I believe at some point our normal 'money' will deflate to it's actual value: zero. It will be a huge surprise to find that the most esteemed money in the world is actually worthless. And it's not because Americans are lazy or lack innovation. It's because we gave up our lawful money back over 100 years ago.
There are a few assets that are abundant in the world. These will never lose value (this is the short list): "labor", "virtue", "trust", "skill", "resources". This is what TRUE money looks like and all other money just represents these things. That is how in ancient times, people could exchange their MONEY for the labor of a slave. It's also how our labor can be converted into money, even today.
Knowledge is Power and Power Corrupts Absolutely
This reminds me of the verse: "Knowledge puffs up, love builds up." Any esteem gained by knowledge alone is empty and can be deflated in a moment. All it takes is to be wrong once and much of that knowledge power is gone and discredited. But if you have built up relationships with people in sincere love, being wrong is quickly forgiven and all the esteem remains intact.