Emotional Currency proposes an economy where personal emotional investment is the measure of value. Emotional Currency compels the bearer to engage in an ephemeral and emotional exchange; bills instruct bears to either "smooch the person next to you," "give a hug to someone you admire," or "say 'hello' to a stranger." Each bill bears the second imperative--"pass it on."

Emotional Currency is based on Lewis Hydes concept of the circular gift. Such a gift gains social and emotional value as it circulates. This value does not benifit only the recipient, but overflows so that it benifits all the members of a community.

To accept a gift is to accept the debt and to be willing to invest the gift with oneself before passing it on. Emotional Currency demands such an investment from the recipient in order to bind individuals into a caring community.