I once heard a psychologist say that the difference in happiness between someone who earns $5000 per year and $50,000 per year is enormous, but the difference in levels of happiness between someone earning $50,000 per year and $50 million is negligible. One is no more happy with $50,000 than with $50 million.
Can money buy happiness?
(SOURCE: it was this netflix documentary called Happy. I recommend it.)
Money can not buy happiness. Happiness is a state of being. However, money can make a person more comfortable. Money can provide a different level of need. Money can not buy health. Without health a person's quality of life suffers. After that money can provide different qualities of life. If a person has the basics: food, housing, and health he has all his needs met. Money can not build quality relationships. A person can have a high quality of life if they have a good support group. Money can diminish the quality of friends and personal connections. Money can influence people in a positive or negative way. Money can be very helpful but can also be the downfall of some people. A healthy respect for the use of money can be very beneficial to individuals and can be used to bring happiness to others. Using money to help others brings happiness because money is given away.
ReplyDeleteTammie I could not agree with you more on your statement of how "money can be very helpful, but can also be the downfall of some people." I feel like a lot of people who have money, like famous people, tend to go on a downward spiral once they become invested in their money over a span of time. I hate to use famous people as an example, but it is so easy. Take Lindsay Lohan for example. How many times have we heard about her getting locked up and in trouble. When you have the money to get you into situations, things can get ugly really fast. Obviously, for certain people, it is hard to get out of those situations.
DeleteI agree with you that there are certain things money can't buy, like health. Although, people that have more money tend to have better health care, which may prevent future health problems.
DeleteI also have to agree with what you said and others, that money can be helpful and could also be downfall. It does create more of a comfortable life style, as you said, but it could also lead you down a path of destruction and hurt. You read about how all these 100million dollar people do so well, rarely are in the news for something too negative, but then you have those who let it eat them inside and out, and spiral into this fast crazy life style with no stabilization.
DeleteI would agree with you that money can't buy happiness but it can make life easier and it is very helpful. And that it could also be someone's downfall.
DeleteIt that the majority of class mentioned "comfort".
DeleteBut it is true.
And you conclude by mentioning "using money to help others."
Philanthropy is instant gratification. One's conscious would rest better at night by giving back.
- Felix
seems *
DeleteTammie,
DeleteI think you're completely correct. Money can get you everything you want, but that doesn't mean you are happy with everything. I heard one dad say, "I love you, don't you see all the things I bought you!?" Although, he bought the kid everything he wanted, he was not emotionally loved and that is what really counts.
There is no way I could or would ever think that money buys happiness. In my opinion, yes, money may make things easier at times, because, having the money to buy the things you need and want is nice, and there is less stress off your shoulders when not having to worry about money. I also believe being happy is a state that you are in. People can be happy, sad, mad, annoyed, there are so many different things you can feel all of the time. Some people think that money can buy their happiness because with money you can buy those pair of shoes you have wanted for so long. People believe all of their troubles can be answered if they had all the money in the world, when really, money only fixes things in the moment. Things eventually get old and are not exciting anymore, because we usually get "used to things" and want change to "spice things up." More often than not, those individuals who have money abuse the fact that they have it, and are not giving with it. There are so many times where individuals who have a lot of money tend to get into more trouble, because they have the money to have the opportunity to get into the adventures and troubles. Relationships are not built on money, but rather connections. A healthy relationship should never be based on money, because a relationship based on money is not a true relationship at all. The fact that I am someone who has grown up with such little money, I have a larger appreciation for the nice things I do have. Yes, it would be so amazing to inherit a lump sum of money, but, I do not live my life dreaming about becoming rich. I understand that life is so much more than just about money! If I revolved my life around money I feel that I would become a selfish, ugly human being.
ReplyDeleteInteresting you mentioned inheriting money. I have personal experience with 4 young people born in the 80's that where given $32000. at 18 years of age. Two children had everything they needed while growing up and grew up with 2 parents and graduated from high school. The other 2 people lived in a single family going back and forth to a grandmother and father, one graduated one was incarcerated before completing school.
DeleteDespite their education and home life all of these examples have nothing to show for their inheritance. At 25 years of age, they received the other half of their inheritance,1 person from each environment were incarcerated several times. Money did not benefit these children and I would encourage anyone to avoid giving large amounts of money to people before they are 35 years of age. One of these individuals is 31 years old currently and is still trying to figure out life and how to value money and 1 is still in and out of jail.
Living with less money allows you to appreciate what you have and gives you a gift you can not buy....pride, self-esteem, and the value of money.
I agree with your statement that, " A healthy relationship should never be based on money". I also know that several couples that have issues due directly to money troubles. There must be a mutual respect and goal financially or a relationship will crumble.
DeleteLooks like I get to play the devil’s advocate here, but I honestly believe money CAN buy happiness. Call me shallow, greedy, pathetic, whatever you must, but I can be real and say that if I had more money I would definitely be happier. By having money you feel more secure in your day to day life that if something were to happen you wouldn’t be at such a loss. I get really stressed out thinking about my money situation, and I’m not even as bad off as I used to be. I just had a hose go out on my car and did a few things as preventative maintenance to my car and it felt good knowing that I could take care of it and not have to worry about where the money was going to come from. When I think about my future I honestly just want to have a lot of money and a nice life. I want my kids to have whatever they want, to be able to travel like I have, to not have to want. My family is not rich by any means, my parents have worked my whole life, they own our house, and they’ve taught me how to work for things. I wasn’t handed everything when I was young, I didn’t get a car for my 16th birthday, and I’ve worked since I was 16 so that I could have my own money. I can honestly say I’m happiest when I have a lot of money. I don't think this makes me a bad person. I love money but I am also a very generous and giving person.
ReplyDeleteI agree that money can buy happiness. Although it is possible for a rich person to be unhappy, money makes for an easier life. Like you said, there is security in money. There is comfort in knowing that whatever happens, you have something to fall back on.
DeleteNo no, this doesn't make you a bad person at all. I like the way you phrase things here; it's not a desire for money just to roll around in it or to eat caviar everyday. You are right. Having more money eases some stress and makes some aspects of life very nice--travel, for instance.
DeleteOn the other hand, we could argue about your statement, "I want my kids to have whatever they want." Of course you do. You love them. However, giving them whatever they want, wouldn't you say, is a dangerous strategy...do you agree?
I guess because I don't have kids yet I can't say for sure from experience if this would be dangerous, but I can't see how it is. I mean of course there are exceptions, I wouldn't let my five year old get a tattoo if that's what he or she really wanted. I guess maybe I mean to say more, though, that I want to be ABLE to give them whatever they want. I want less to DO it and more to be able to know that I could.
DeleteYou have a ability to budget money and you sound like you appreciate money. If you gave your kids everything they wanted they may not appreciate things as much as you do because they did not have to work for it. You know the difference between earning money and having everything you want given to you. You were taught how to work for money and can appreciate what you have. I would agree having money is better than not, but having money has a down side too. Because I can afford to buy something doesn't mean I should be expected to buy the same thing for someone, usually a family member or friend, that wants it. We all make choices and should be held accountable for those choices.
ReplyDeleteIf you work hard for your money and you use it wisely, I believe you will earn or receive what you deserve in the future. Good luck,
I agree, Tammie. I did not grow up with very much at all. In fact, I would probably say I grew up poor. My daughters at teh ages of 6 and 7 have more my sister and I ever could have dreamed of. My husband and I have taught our daughters that the items we have and the trips we've been on come from hard work and many sacrifices. But we do worry that we have given them too much. Although they don't get a toy everytime we go to Target, these girls want for nothing. As a parent you obviously want your children to have more than you did but I really think they key is teaching them that you worked for what you have and not that "money" itself makes all possible.
DeleteScroll down about halfways through the secrets this week... Interesting coincidence.
ReplyDeletewww.postsecret.com
I looked at site and agree. from the outside you would think he has it all, but we don't know what goes on. Evan though he has all that money can buy, he is not happy. He did have a chance to experience having money and with money you have more opportunities to bounce back. Given the option to have money or not have money I would definitely choose money. Money doesn't cause evil but you have to be grounded to be able to handle the power money can provide.
Deletewow, there are some powerful messages on there!
DeleteMoney may not buy happiness, but money does pay bills, and when your bills are paid, you tend to feel more freedom and happiness because you aren't constantly haunted by the fact that the bills are piling up. Just last night, my boyfriend, who works extremely hard with long hours in the oilfields, was telling me how grateful he is that he doesn't have to worry about being broke and how good it feels to live without worrying if he can pay for something or not.
ReplyDeleteThere have been times in my life when I couldn't even put 25 cents in my gas tank and I couldn't even afford a cheeseburger from the dollar menu. I wasn't happy at all. The world revolves around money and although money may not buy happiness, it does pay for shelter, food, children, and children, along with other things.
I completely agree.
DeleteLauren,
DeleteI think I need glasses. The first time I read your first line, "money does pay bills" I read, "money does buy pills." Yes, I need glasses. And I am glad you are paying bills and not buying pills!
It's so true that if your bills are paid, you tend to not really worry about other things. Not having the stress of worrying about how you're going to feed your family or keep the water on is a wonderful thing. I can relate very much so with not having a dime to my name, and yes, it sucks when you hit rock bottom, BUT, still, I would rather be poor as dirt and happy, than rich and unhappy.
Deleteof course you need to be able to pay your bills and you do feel more at ease when you are able to be debt free, but you are one of the lucky ones who has a good life. Some people have too much internal turmoil that even all the money in the world and lack of bills don't make them happy. So I guess it just depends on who you are and how you chose to be.
DeleteLauren,
DeleteYes, I think money is good to be stable and living comfortably, but once it become excessive it can be too much. It is not fun when we have no money to go out to dinner, but if we have a health and happy household, I think that is what counts.
Someone that makes $5,000 per year may worry about shelter, food, clothing and transporation. Someone making $50,000 per year may worry about the exact same necessities but on a grander scale. I will take myself for an example. When my husband and I moved into our first apartment 11 years ago our rent was half our current mortgage payment. We had one car payment and one credit card bill. We were saving for our wedding and living very simple. We didn't eat out much, I didn't do a lot of clothes shopping and we shopped at discount grocery stores. Looking back some of the happiest times my husband and I had shared was when we were living paycheck to paycheck wondering if we'd have enough gas to get us to and from work until payday. We made due with what we had and learned how to budget and stick to it. We knew we'd make it somehow. We did not have the luxuries of wealthy families to help us along so we made what little we had work. Honestly, last week him and discussed how simple our lives were back then. We discussed how much we worked as a team and leaned on eachother. If someone handed me all the money I needed to pay off my home and debt, sure I'd take it but all it would do would buy me peace of mind, not happiness. I think true happiness lies within yourself and until you find it no amount of money or possessions will ever make you happy.
ReplyDeleteIt is so interesting to see how different people can be! I love that you and your husband can sit and reminisce and appreciate the struggles you went through and even long for them in a way still. I can't say that I felt the same in that situation. When I was with my ex, money was our biggest stressor. He and I both worked, but he made the majority of the money and took care of the bigger bills and rent. My money was kind of the extra and the luxuries like cable and internet and nights out. We shared a car (that was MY car though) and always used my gas to go do things, or used money on frivolous things when we really didn't have the extra so it caused a lot of issues. It sounds like you guys were more organized though, so I can imagine that made it easier. I'm glad you guys made it through your rough times!
DeleteI have to agree with you, about true happiness lies within yourself, and some of the happiest moments in my life were when my wife and i were/are living check to check. One of my favorite quotes comes from Into The Wild, "My days were more exciting when I was penniless and had to forage around for my next meal." But money does buy financial security, and that can be huge to ones sanity.
DeleteI agree with that as well true happiness only lies within yourself. Because if you can't manage your money, no matter how much you make you will be miserable. Sometimes when you make more money you can tend to spend it frivolously and neglect your basic needs and end up as miserable as when you didn't have the money to make those payments.
DeleteIt is hard to say what happiness means in worth to a whole society. For some happiness may not deal with money at all, whereas happiness is achieved by one's wealth. I personally think money does assist with happiness. I've been dealing with this issue personally in how does money make a difference in someone's life, and I think of a song from an older bad called Everclear from their song, I will buy you a new life. "I hate those people who love to tell you
ReplyDeleteMoney is the root of all that kills
They have never been poor
They have never had the joy of a welfare Christmas."
Money to me seems to help with creating a comfort of happiness. I find it very hard to think of someone being entirely truthful about being happy and comfortable when they cannot afford a roof over themselves or someone they love, or trying to pay the necessity bills, or some food to feed the family. When I had money, more than enough, it never seemed enough, but I was happier than I am now, because i was able to afford to pay our monthly rent, go shopping every week, take my family to disneyland every month, and still had extra. Then one day it went away. It created self-esteem problems, financial problems. So, I can agree that there is a huge difference in happiness between a person making 5,000 for a family of 3, one employed, versus someone making 50,000 for a family of 3 with most likely covered medical benefits. I also agree that when your making 50 million versus 50,000 there are so much more problems that are created. Your life is exposed to different pressures, and different factors that can ruin your sanity. I look at someone who is comfortable with 50,000 because that person seems to have more stabilization, and isn't worried about trust issues as much with there family, friends, co workers. When you have this enormous amount of wealth, there is usually someone else looking to take it away, and your exposed more to people who can. There are so many core social issues I see that their children may not experience.
I also have a hard time believing people who claim that they are happy with not enough money to cover necessities. I see people who struggle with their day to day lives because of lack of money and the situation they've put themselves and wonder how they can be completely happy. Granted everyone is different and everyone is fulfilled by different things, but money definitely helps. Comfort and happiness go hand in hand; if money can bring about comfort, then it's only obvious that happiness will follow.
DeleteI would have to disagree with your statement about
Delete" I find it very hard to think of someone being entirely truthful about being happy and comfortable when they cannot afford a roof over themselves or someone they love, or trying to pay the necessity bills, or some food to feed the family"
I think that defining happiness would have to be made. Is it a piece of happiness during the day that matters? During the day, week, month, or year? How is happiness being measured? I think that through really really tough struggles like being homeless or trying to find a meal for a family, happiness can still be found. Yes I think that parents will struggle and have a hard time trying to make the best for their children in the midst of chaos and homelessness but there is assistance in situations like those. I don't think anyone would be happy being poor or homeless, but I think they can still find happiness in the midst of their worse situations. I kind of rambled and maybe I didn't make sense, but I really do believe that even in poverty, happiness will be found.
I definitely grew up poor. I was lucky to have awesome grandparents who would buy my siblings and me school clothes and other necessities sometimes. There were times where no food was in the cabinets and we would move all the time. To me happiness comes with less stress. Less stress means not having worries about the basic necessities of food, shelter and clothing. So I would have to say that it can be bought, at the basic level. Then it is up to the person whether or not they can be happy with their life outside those basic needs. After my husband and I got out of the Navy in 2005, we had some pretty rough times. It was directly money related, but somehow we always found a way to pull through. There are different levels of comfort and stresses with more or less income. We are happy with how things have turned out and can laugh at how difficult that transition was now.
ReplyDeleteI agree with that. It's all about how the individual can handle it. I know if we would have had money growing up, not sure about the values we have today. I know me and my brothers appreciate things more and take care of the things we have more than people who had them handed to them and didn't have to work for them.
DeleteIt is really hard to be happy when you can't get the necessities that everyone should have. Food, water, and a home to live in are all things that need to be bought with money that can make life a lot less stressful. I believe that it is unfair to say that money can't buy happiness in your situation because I know the feeling about worrying about not having enough money to buy food. Having the money to buy just the basic things to live would make many of less fortunate people a lot happier.
DeleteIt seems like many of you see basic needs being covered as necessary to happiness. That reminds me of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. I wonder about it, though. Are there expect ions, systems in which incredibly poor people are highly happy?
ReplyDeleteIf one has the right state of mind, I believe he can be both incredibly poor and incredibly happy. I think there would have to be a few specific odds in his favor, though, like an acceptance on his part that he might never have much money and the ability to see past the concept of money as a gateway for the things he may want and need. One also must not have an large attachment to material objects and should be able to find happiness deep within himself.
DeleteI was brought up poor with a single mother on welfare. Honestly, that was the happiest times of my life. We didn't have any money, but we had each other and that seems to be what worked and all these years later what comes to my mind as happiness. Money buys temporary happiness that fades away as soon as it's spent.....and that is fast! I'm sure my memories would not be as fond now if I had been born with a silver spoon in my mouth.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your response. Yeah you can have all the money you want but true happiness comes from who you are and not what you buy.
DeleteSandi, sounds to me that is a sign of good parenting. Your mother knew how to make the best out of a bad situation and gave you kids what you needed most. A happy childhood, full of wonderful memories.
DeleteMy parents dont have a lot of money, and were constantly struggling to make sure all of the bills are paid. but at the end of the day were together, were alive, and were healthy. so I totally know how you feel. I would agree that money buys temporary happiness but that is it.
DeleteWow Sandi, I love how you mention that "money buys temporary happiness" I don't not know if can be put any better than that.
DeleteMoney is not happiness. I agree with my fellow classmates that you can live a little more comfortable if you have money to spend but that does not give you happiness. I also grew up poor but I was very happy. Every family is different and unfortunately some think that money is going to make them happy. I know of someone in my family who has a great career, has two beautiful children and a husband of 13 years and is unhappy. Material possessions or fancy cars are not the solution to personal problems. If you have personal problems to begin with, no mansion is going to change that. If it does then there are probably other problems going on. It is the person that you chose to be that will make your happiness. If you are always worrying about having expensive possessions and competing for the spotlight, you will probably spend all your time and energy being stressed and worried over things that really do not matter in the long run. I really do believe that you only have one life and you should live it to the fullest not by means of money but rather by being a simple and peaceful person.
ReplyDeleteI think comfort is a factor of being happy, so that can go either way if you have money or don't. I don't believe material possessions are the solution to personal problems either. Problems will present themselves in any financial situation. I agree that peace comes with letting stress go and being less worrisome though.
DeleteI don't believe that money buys you happiness but it does reduce the stress of living paycheck to paycheck. It can be difficult to be truly happy when you are worried all the time about where your next meal is going to come from, if you will be able to make rent, and how you will be able to pay for the other basic necessities. I was very poor growing up and was extremely happy because I did not have those worries as my parents did. A part of good parenting is making the best out your situation and not letting the kids know how bad the situation really is. I learned this when I myself became a parent and was on welfare with my two little ones. They don't remember the hardships that we went through. The days that I didn't get to eat because there was only enough for them.
ReplyDeleteHaving money gives you a whole new set of worries though. For example, who are your true friends and who are just using you for what you can give them. Money does not save you from having health problems or being lonely. However, it does facilitate things like having the ease of the basic needs met. Much like Maslow's Heirarchy of needs. As long as those needs are met we have more time to do other things. I have been at both ends of the spectrum and can honestly say that being happy was a personal state of mind. Just one had comforts that the other one didn't. Being poor gave me a closeness and unity with my children and family that money can't buy. Having money allowed us to travel and have fun in more exotic places other than my home.
I really agree with what you said about money not saving you from having health problems or being lonely, and that it produces different worries than being poor. I also agree that being poor can create a closeness with family that some wealthy people do not get to experience. I think that sometimes wealth creates such independence in some people that it drives family members away from one another. Being poor can (sometimes) create a better sense of togetherness and community, dependency, and support. I am not saying that wealthy people cannot find this but I think it is easier for poor people to experience this.
DeleteI enjoyed reading your post. Did you feel the same closeness with your family when you had money and were able to travel as you did when you didn't have much money? Or was it a different type of closeness and unity?
DeleteI know people may think I'm wrong and think I might be a little weird, but I believe that money can buy happiness in certain circumstances. I think that not everyone wants to admit it, but having money can make a difference in a person's life. For example, I have always heard couples say that as long as you h ave love you'll be happy. However, there are scenarios where money is tight and they cannot afford the necessities that lead to constant arguing and fighting. That to me is not happiness. I know this does not apply to everybody, but that is one example where a bit of money can "buy" them the happiness they need in their life. When actually thinking about this, I feel it can go both ways.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true, Jeanette. You just stated what we all think, but in a different way. I think it is very interesting that you chose to mention the 'love is enough' idea. It's a nice idea, but very naive, in my opinion. You're right that love is great, but if necessities aren't available due to lack of money, friction often turns a loving couple into a bitter, bickering couple.
DeleteDuring the summer I went on a six week internship where I had the opportunity to learn about the dynamics of living in poverty, volunteering with a non-profit, while taking several classes and also living off of $35 a week. Before going on the internship which was also out of town, I thought about how difficult it would be to give up all my technology, my money, my bed, and all my things to live on only $35 a week, figuring out meals, and how to save for things that I wanted such as going to a baseball game one night during the week or buying shampoo or soap. The internship was such an eye-opening experience because $35 isn't a whole lot, but I found that by living in community with my roommates and neighboring roommates it made it a lot easier. I found that I progressively got used to living simply, living on less (financially), and finding what I really need to spend my money on verses what I want to spend my money on. Of course it was really stressful because you had to really budget where you were going to spend money, you had to make the decision as a house how we were going to support each other and what to cook each night. It was frustrating to not have enough money to get what I wanted and to not have enough money to go out, to buy anything really. My financial situation was really hard, really frustrating, and at times it did make me unhappy. BUT I do think that you can find happiness in the midst of being poor. I know I wasn't exactly living the reality for a long period of time, it was only six weeks, but in the end I enjoyed living with less. I think that when you have an abundance of money it doesn't always buy happiness because although it can buy you all the things you want in life, it's about the way you live your life. I don't know if I am making any sense here but I guess as I'm typing I am thinking about it both ways. I think that with money it is easy to find happiness by being able to buy yourself whatever you want or buying for others or traveling etc. It is easier to find a relief to life's stresses when one doesn't have to worry about bills or what they are going to eat. I think that living with less can help one find community and learn to live and depend on others with others. An over-abundance of money can do some real bad things to people if they do not know how to live with or manage it.
ReplyDeleteI'm still fascinated by your story! I would love to do the six-week internship, but at the same time, ironically, I can't afford it. :-/ How many roommates did you have? You make a good point that money both matters and doesn't matter with happiness. I guess money (regardless of the amount) makes happiness easier to come by for some people and more difficult to come by for others.
DeleteWow.
DeleteAmazing passage.
I am sure this voyage helped open your eyes--not only about the financial aspect--but about life.
"I can find happiness in the midst of being poor".
This is deep, yet real. If we were to examine families in third world countries we would humble up fast!
- Felix
Thanks Alexa! Fundraising for the internship was a little hard, and luckily I am still a student and still live with my family so I didn't have to worry about any kind of home bills or anything like that except my car payment for the months that I was gone. The internship was $950 plus just saving for two car payments during the process. The fundraising for the $950 consisted of sending out support letters to friends and family and also saving on my end too. There's lots of ways to fundraise in town to raise money for the trip but I was fortunate enough to get it covered fast. I had four other female roommates so there was five of us total. Luckily we each all decided to put our weekly $35 together to support one another and we each pulled our weight around the apartment we stayed in by taking turns cooking and doing chores. It was really rough and some weeks some of us did not get a stipend at all, but throughout the whole experience I did find happiness and it was because I lived in a great community with my roommates and neighbors.
DeleteFelix, I would say it was the craziest six weeks of my life and I learned so much. I agree with what you said about examining families in third world countries, indeed it is humbling. But thanks for responding by the way! :)
I don't believe money can buy happiness, but I believe that money can buy necessities and comforts which are needed for survival. If one only makes $5000 in a year, he might not have enough money to buy food for himself, find an adequate shelter, and so on. If his physiological needs are not first met, then his emotional needs cannot be met, and so he cannot truly be happy until he has achieved the two, and then some (according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs). So yes, the difference between making $5000 per year and $50,000 per year is enormous because the difference between the two pertains to the ability to meet one's physiological needs. However, it is assumed that you can meet your needs making $50,000 per year and especially so in the case of making $50 million. One should have the capacity for emotional happiness from making either two of these denominations. So in the case of these latter two amounts, an excess of money shouldn't be able to buy one happiness. Money can buy happiness in the sense of helping one to meet his needs, but past that point I believe it becomes irrelevant and a possible detraction from happiness.
ReplyDeleteI think money is a core factor in one living a comfortable, stress-free lifestyle. I can only imagine the accessibilities that one can get used to when all that they've ever needed is only a check away. However, if it came down to whether or not one finds any long-term fulfillment solely from the possession of wealth, then I would have to say no. $50,000 is generally the salary range that makes way for a comfortable standard of living, whereas 50 million is quite an excess of wealth. Sure, if one happened to become a millionaire overnight and didn't have to work a day for the rest of his life, they would no doubt be elated over the fact that they can finally afford every thing they have ever wanted-but, money can only buy so much for people besides material objects. It can't buy the feelings you can have for someone, and even if it did, then you were only into them for what the have in their bank account than for who they are. It can buy friendship/companionship to a certain extent, but such bonds are shallow and dissolve like water once you decide to cut them off. And there is also the possibility that one may have more happiness making the money compared to just owning it outright. If it came to it, while I believe that having an above-average salary rate most definitely contributes to happiness, the excess of such wealth can do much to cheapen one's outlook on life, especially when one believes that money is the answer for everything. Money enables one to enjoy human pleasures, and it can indeed buy happiness, but one can't expect to be content for too long -not until they start wanting more and more.
ReplyDelete"It can buy friendship/companionship to a certain extent, but such bonds are shallow and dissolve like water once you decide to cut them off".
DeleteTo add, I think it would be difficult to find true love/friendship if we met a stranger (assuming one is wealthy). It would be strenuous in that we do not know their intentions--people are crazy now a days (especially women -- just kidding, ladies).
I also agree that money enables comfort. I said something similar in my post.
- Felix
Agreed. I can almost say that if I happened to come across a vast amount of wealth, I would definitely try to keep it a secret. That way, if things hit it off quite well between me and the hypothetical-her, I would totally cash in and get that diamond ring!
DeleteI agree with you Michael. Money can buy the things we need to live a comfortable life. $50 million can buy a lot of things but the happiness we gain from those things are shallow. That is not to say that $50 million can go along way helping other live a comfortable life. For a single person, $50 million is a waste, but when used in charities for to help people around the world who literally have nothing, you can not doubt that this money can give a lot happiness even if might be temporary.
DeleteGood point, Michael. The more people have, the more they want. This is particularly true in modern society with all the commercialism. We are always looking to that next best thing and that seems more true the more money a person has.
DeleteMoney does not buy happiness. Sure money allows people purchase necessities like food and shelter, but some people want more. People who have money still worry about things that money cannot fix. For example even though Delaney in the Tortilla Curtain had a nice home and a nice car he was never really happy. Delaney was constantly worried about the environment, the building of the fence, and the people who left food outside for the wild animals. He had money so the things that concerned him were different from Candido and America. People with money have other things in their lives that cause them stress. Money cannot buy happiness. Not having money might make someone appreciate money but it will not make him or her happier. Humans require more than just food and shelter to feel fulfilled and content. Maslow described this in his hierarchy of needs diagram. Maslow Believed that the once people satisfied one need another necessity would take precedence. Once people had food their next concern is to find shelter. Once they find shelter the next need that needs to be fulfilled is love and belonging. If they find love then they have to start working on their self esteem. If they fulfill their need for self esteem then the last necessity is self-actualization. Only by satisfying all these needs can a person be truly happy. Money can only satisfy physiology and safety sections of Maslow’s hierarchy. Money does not buy love , self esteem, or self actualization.
ReplyDeleteI think money can indeed purchase self-esteem in the form of social status, if they decide to neglect the importance of their basic needs. Upon using their money in order to gain a higher place on the societal totem pole, once they have hit rock bottom, they will then find some sort of self-actualization...eventually at least. It's more like they will learn from their lifestyle than anything.
DeleteMoney cant buy happiness. But it's said that money sure does make life easier to live. I know people who are loaded with money, they live the high life. But they are just as miserable as those who have no money. Having money doesnt stop bad things from happening to you, or stop you from being sad or happy. Money is simply a tool used to buy necessities and overspend on shit we dont need to survive in life. Things we only desire, these things usually do more harm than good. money can be a good thing, but it can also be a downfall like many of you have said. I believe as great as it would be to have millions to spare, I dont need it to be happy. I'm content and happy without millions.
ReplyDeleteLexi,
DeleteYour post was very humble, it shows a lot about your character.
"Having money does not stop bad things from happening to you."
This is very true; look at all the famous people who have been systematically killed in the past.
- Felix
I agree with you because money can't buy happiness and neither it can buy health. But with money you can buy things to make you happy but those things are only material stuff.
DeleteI do not believe that money can buy happiness. I can however see how there can be a difference between someone who earns $5000 per year and $50,000 per year, and how there is not much difference in the happiness of someone making 50,000 to $50million a year. People earning low amount of income under $50,000 a year can seem to be less happy just because they have constant struggle with providing food and decent shelter for their family. However I do not really believe that money can buy happiness. In my perspective money is just a plus to all the other joys in the world. What makes me happy the most is family and friends. I believe that someone could have a vast amount of money yet have no good relationships with family or friends to make them happy. I believe that love outweighs money any time of day and in any occasion. I would much rather have love than money. My main goal in life is to raise a family who loves each other more than anything else. I would be the happiest man on earth and be satisfied living in a small house without much luxuries, as long as I had a loving family. I mean sure right now I may live in a pretty large house and enjoy many luxuries that most people don’t, but I would trade it all away in an instant if I had to choose between being wealthy and having a loving family and friends. So in conclusion, no I do not believe that money can buy happiness.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing that needs to be clear that money is what is traded for work. So, money and work are the same. I believe that money can buy temporary happiness. I believe that the happiness that we can buy can be separated into two categories, the happiness that we need and the happiness that we want. The happiness that we need are food, water and shelter. Without these basic necessities, life would be very unhappy. The happiness that we want are basically the material things that we want but don’t need to live. At $50,000 a year, a person can take care of all the “needs” for a family and still have enough for some of the “wants”. The difference between the needs and the wants is that we will never get tired of the needs, because we will always need food and water to live, but we can get tired of the wants. We will get tired of the old tvs, cars, and phones, etc, and want the next new tvs, cars, and phones. Above $50,000 a year, we could probably buy more things that we don’t need but at some point having things also gets boring. We usually envy the people who make $500,000 or more because they can buy almost any material thing. But, the happiness of owning things is an short and empty happiness.
ReplyDeleteI have discussions about this topic all the time and they always lead to arguments.
ReplyDeleteBefore I begin, however, I will make one thing abundantly clear: we all love money!
You need money to make money, and you need money to survive.
Money does not buy happiness but it surely can get you out of very hard situations.
For example, some of the basic necessities needed to survive require a form of expenditure--groceries, for instance.
Sure, money does not buy happiness but realistically speaking, it buys comfort, which leads to happiness. Think about it . . . if we had a mortgage payment, car payment, and regular bills--yet we were going to be short, would you be comfortable? Would you go to sleep without thinking about it? Would you . . smile?
I don't think so.
I have a lot of friends who are humbly rich and they do not look down on anyone--they are not douche bags, but I associate with them because I learn from them and their demeanor is positive.
I asked my friend the following one time:
Bro, do you honestly think money buys happiness?
No, he replied.
But I damn sure would rather cry in my Lamborghini, he added.
Although he said this joking around, he explained how money facilitates life.
He mentioned why people go to college; why they choose certain careers; why people choose to own a business instead of work for someone else, then he said "it all ties back to how much money we want to make."
He also explained that giving back is crucial and even giving back to the community requires money, ha ha.
While I can't sit here and say money buys happiness, I can argue that it buys comfort.
Here are a few quotes from a website (i thought they were funny):
Money, if it does not bring you happiness, will at least help you be miserable in comfort. - Helen Gurley
Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping. - Bo Derek
Money only buys a small measure of happiness, and then only for those who have the wisdom to use it properly. - Steven Scott
Money frees you from doing things you dislike. Since I dislike doing nearly everything, money is handy. - Groucho Marx
No money doesn't buy happiness, money can't buy you love. The instinct of happiness comes from love. Money can reduce your worrying, anxiety of being hungry. But can't make your spiritual world rich. Being content in the every moment you enjoy. Being gratitude to all you have: family, friends, health you will feel happy always. More money can equal more problems, it is only part of your happiness if you choose for it to be. You can get temporary fixes of joy from buying what you want but no amount of money can eliminate poor health. Happiness is a choice you make everyday, it's an emotion that you have control over.
ReplyDeleteI agree Maria. Happiness comes from within. It has nothing to do with one's net worth. If a person is able to see the beautiful things in life and maintain a sensitive heart, then they are happy.
DeleteIt is my personal opinion that money cannot “buy” happiness. Many can have all the money in the world and still be so insecure, self conscious or unhappy. It is sad because many want to be stable and have enough money to live comfortably, but sometimes it could be the turn for the worse. Many families I know that have money, do not even communicate with one another because their house is so big they never see each other. I believe it depends on the people and how will they are to keep the family bond great. Money can keep the household content and living well but if it takes over your life, it ends up being too much.
ReplyDeleteMany others stated their opinions in a similar way but I agree completely. Having enough money to pay the bills relieves the anxiety and stress. Those at or below the poverty level often worry more and this causes them to be unhappy. High stress often equates to low happiness. When one has enough money to cover needs and to be able to cover some wants, they're often more content. Once you pass the level of income where worry about necessities is reduced, it doesn't make you more happy to be able to afford more things. Of course money can't buy happiness. Neither literally nor metaphorically. Having all the nice things in the world cannot make people happy. That is made evident by all the celebrities and rich people who often appear on the news for things like divorce, plastic surgery, and other things that scream, "I'm not happy with myself or my life", despite the fact that they have money.
ReplyDeleteIn a sense, I do believe money can buy happiness. Yes, happiness is a state of being but I truly thought about this and I've seen it with my own eyes where people feel happy when they are constantly purchasing things. Yes, it may not be forever lasting but it that time money was fulfilling their needs of happiness. Happiness is not guaranteed by money, but it does bring luxury. We live in a very rich state, and I am pretty positive that everyone here has been happy or been vain when they have gotten something that is a luxury and not so much a necessity. I feel people tend to block that out. Instead of getting a luxurious item, why not get that money and donate to a good cause??? I believe it to be that more happiness than anything when people learn to give and not receive.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the quote given. Being poor brings misery. Just think of Candido and America in "The Tortilla Curtain." They suffered very much because they were unable to secure the basic necessities to live. As long as one has the means to buy food, shelter, and other basic necessities, without any financial problems, one is happy; however, they may not realize it. I have always believed that the very wealthy are extremely busy making more money. They are unable to see their family as often as they want to because they have to work long hours. The way I see it is that they are not able to enjoy the money they earn as much as they could.
ReplyDeleteMoney doesn't buy happiness. Like the song goes, "more money, more problems." Money is just needed to live comfortably, and live stress free. I prefer spending more time with my family than to work to make high amounts of money. Love is the most important thing in life. Money can't buy love. What is the point of making $5 million a year, if you can't enjoy it with the people you love? Money doesn't just creat a barrier between your loved ones, but it creates problems. There are stories of people who are rich and then loose everything.
ReplyDelete