Does Money Make People Happy?

It's a mystery why money doesn't make us happy, because it feels like it damn well should.

With money we can buy whatever we want, go wherever we want, even be whoever we want. Surely that should make us happy?

And yet study after study shows that being affluent might bring satisfaction, but it doesn't bring much happiness.

Perhaps, as people become really rich, they don't choose more enjoyable activities (i.e. they stay in the office working)? Perhaps material goods just can't make us happy?

Or perhaps there is always someone richer, spoiling the party with their more impressive wealth?

There's something missing from these accounts, though, and it's the old argument that when you live in luxurious surroundings, have experienced the best restaurants and received the most lavish gifts, it becomes more difficult to savor the simple things in life.

2 comments:

  1. Hey man,

    All my life I wanted more money.

    As a single guy in his 30's women all judge you by you car, $, income. What kind of studies show that money doesn't matter.

    I still am buying my lottery ticket.

    Dave

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  2. Money may not buy happiness.... but, here's what it will buy:

    Housing
    Food
    Health care!!!!
    Medication
    Transportation

    If one does not have enough for the "essentials," then one may experience a great deal of anxiety. The anxiety causes a decline in physical well-being as well as mental well-being. If one has so little of it, then one has to make some very difficult choices. For me, right now (as it has been for a long time), I pay for my roof over my head, food, etc. I don't have the money to pay for as much food as I should. It's a sad commentary when I have to settle for a box of rice at the end of the month for a meal. I can't afford transportation never mind pay for the doctor, the therapist, the meds not covered. I don't have a choice between the "Olive Garden," "Applebees," "Bennigans," etc. These are places that, although I could once go to without it being a major deal, are only available to me in my dreams now.

    I can tell you this..... I do not have money..... I am not happy as a result of all of the problems it "buys."

    Elisabeth

    September 5, 2010

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