Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable

Is there even a point to accounts receivable and payable?

I don't think I understand the point. I think it's more a moral dilemma than anything, really, though.

Think about it. For accounts receivable, a customer promises to pay for the services provided. So what -- loans? Mortgages? Tabs at the bar?

And then accounts payable is when the business promises to pay the customer.

So then I wonder, why? Why do we have this system. It seems like its beyond the barter system, doesn't it? Maybe that's just my sleepy brain talking. But really, you promise to pay for something?

Is this part of the I-want-it-right-now generation? All of this business talk has just gotten me wondering why our system is so complicated. I get it -- it's hard work to run a business. It takes money to make money.

But what happened when it wasn't like this? Did systems fall? Or was is just not creating enough money? Or did things change when we went from local bartering to international trade?

I obviously don't understand the system, and I admire that it is so complex. Who thought of all this? One night, someone was laying in their bed and couldn't fall asleep. They tossed and they turned, they tossed and they turned! To overcome their sleep depravity, they came up with complex algorithms that would one day be the spine of every business in the world! After the algorithm, they had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and went to bed.

Does it just get you wondering, who invented this stuff!?

At least I can say that I have a refreshed appreciation for all of those souls who understand this practice.