I was once one of the richest men in the world in the world. I had unimaginable material wealth, and all of the power and responsibility that came with it. I was happy for a time, but after a while I was not. I became greedy, I had all of the money I could ever imagine, property, land that stretched far beyond the human eye, and incredible power; however, I wanted more. This began to control me. I wanted so much power that I could do anything I wanted, and it corrupted me. My company leaders then began to hate me; I would say and do anything to get what I wanted.

One day, I read an article on happiness, and it made me ask myself a life changing question, “Are you truly happy?” My answer, after thinking long and hard, was a powerful “NO”. The next week I announced the sale of my three billion dollar company to the world. People were surprised, yet relieved because they knew of my corruption; my greed. The next week, I sold my seven million dollar home, as well as several of my luxury cars. It was the next week that I purchased a small coastal home, and then split my fortune into three portions. Two of these were equal with one far larger than the other two. I was at this time closely approaching the age of thirty.

This was when I realized what true happiness was, and no matter how wealth I was, I could not buy my own happiness. I realized that true happiness is found in freedom, life, love, your accomplishments, and the helping of those who are less fortunate than we are.

I know that as young people, who have yet to fully experience life, you probably believe that money will bring you happiness. While it is true that money can help you in your search, money itself will not bring you happiness. True happiness is surviving the bad times and enjoying the good ones. It is accepting that you will die, but until then you will live in freedom with respect for the world and all of its people. You, as teenagers can feel true happiness by being thankful for what you have, as well as showing kindness to others.

True happiness is knowing that you are free. Free of oppression and confinement. You are truly happy when you don’t have to worry about losing your freedom, and you can rest easily. As teenagers you may have been confined before, sent to you room as punishment for doing something wrong. You know that you cannot be happy at this time, which is why freedom is vital to happiness.

Continuing, the funds that I had split into three portions I used for several things. The first of these portions was enough money for me to live comfortably with food, water, shelter, and electricity for the rest of my life. The second portion was set aside into a private savings account for myself. I then used the third and largest portion to do the many wonderful deeds that I have done over the last ten years.

I decided to help my fellow man because I felt the need to give happiness, for this was a gift, which I had yet to fully receive. I learned the first time in which I completed on of these undertakings, that helping others is the key to true happiness. This is also a way to get noticed, other than helping others, people admiring your work is the best feeling in the known world. Being well known for good things can easily bring happiness. Remember this, and help anyone you can, your parents, relatives, teachers, friends, and even people who you do not know, people who are down on their luck and just need a helping hand, or someone to talk to. The smallest act of kindness, which can bring happiness to others, will bring happiness to you.

I cannot forget love, for to love is to find happiness. True happiness comes from one loving and caring for other people. If you care for people and help them in their times of need, they’re gratitude can be worth far more than anything money can buy. Personal relationships as well can bring true happiness. Those of you who have been in a serious relationship know this, if you honestly love and care about the other person, then you will draw happiness from their existence and success. I learned this seven years ago, when I met my wife.

I was once the richest man on the face of the earth. I have sold my company, my mansion, my cars, my expansive masses of land, yet now I am the wealthiest man alive. I am so because I know the meaning of true happiness. I have given part of myself to help humanity, and to love others. I feel a joy that everyone knows my name, for the great things I have done, rather than the greedy wretch that I was. Youth of America, happiness is locked in your mind, you must only unlock the happiness of others, to unlock your own.