Can Money Really Buy Happiness?
by Real wealth is not measured in the amount of money you have, but on the content of your character.
Every day I see images in the media of celebrities wearing their latest “bling.” I often stumble across websites telling you how easy it is to get filthy rich online. Wall street investors can either be depressed or downright jolly depending on how their stocks are performing in a given day. It seems everyone wants to be “wealthy.” But what is wealth? Is it the amount of greenbacks in your back pocket, or is there something more?
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines “wealth” in a couple of ways. The first definition is “an abundance of valuable possessions or money; material prosperity.” That seems pretty straightforward. The more zeros in your bank account, the wealthier you are.
The second definition is a little deeper: “a plentiful supply of a particular desirable thing.” That is interesting. Using this definition means being wealthy can also apply to the amount of happiness you feel, the number of supportive friends you have, or the quality of your romantic relationships.
So which definition should we use? Assuming more wealth equals greater happiness, using the first definition means that the more cash you have, the happier you are, right? Wrong, according to Harvard researchers. Writes Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert, “Americans who earn $50,000 per year are much happier than those who earn $10,000 per year, but Americans who earn $5 million per year are not much happier than those who earn $100,000 per year.”
So what does it really mean to be rich? Is it your material and monetary prosperity, or is it something different, something on a deeper, more emotional level?
Some quotes to prick your brain on the subject:
“Money, if it doesn’t bring you happiness, will at least help you be miserable in comfort.” -Helen Gurley Brown
“If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can’t buy.” -Proverb
“Here’s a toast to George Bailey, the richest man in town!” -Harry Bailey, It’s a Wonderful Life
“Money is not the most important thing in the world. Love is. Fortunately, I love money.” – Jackie Mason
“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.” -Maya Angelou
“If money can’t buy happiness, then I guess I’ll have to rent it.” -Weird Al Yankovic
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Post Commentmkd1788
On December 18, 2009 at 1:11 am
great moral u have expressed…we all should think on this..
Val Mills
On December 18, 2009 at 1:13 am
Enjoyed this. You are so right. In the light of Triond, I’m here because I’m having fun, not to make money – and having fun includes laughing at the cents asd they trickle in.
richardpeeej
On December 19, 2009 at 9:23 pm
There’s much more to writing that obtaining cash -you are quite correct Prof. (unless you are writing on a cheque of course!)