Alanz Eyes

Can money buy happiness?

April 22nd, 2008 - Posted by Alan Howard

I found this great article which talks about money buying happiness.

I often hear people say, “Money can’t buy happiness.” This is a bad argument. It is like saying, “Money can’t buy modesty” or “Money can’t buy wisdom.” Ultimately, these statements are true because modesty, wisdom, and happiness are not purchasable items. So it is true that money can’t buy modesty, but it can buy clothes. Money can’t buy wisdom, but it can buy books and education. Money can’t buy happiness, but it can help you fulfill your life’s needs, bringing you increased happiness. Research has shown that “financially independent people are happier than those in their same income/age cohort who are not financially secure.” (Thomas J. Stanley, William D. Danko, The Millionaire Next Door, (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1996) p. 46)

Someone once said to me, “We don’t have a lot of money, but we are happy. You have a lot of money, so remember that money can’t buy happiness.” This person was worried that my money was going to make me unhappy. I responded by saying, “I understand what you are saying, but poverty won’t buy happiness either.” Happiness is not a result of riches or poverty, and there are varying degrees of happiness. Happiness comes as needs are fulfilled and by simply making the personal decision to be happy. I was happy when I was poor, and I am still happy now that my income has increased. With increased income, I have been able to fulfill more personal and family needs, which have resulted in increased degrees of happiness.

It’s been my experience that those WITHOUT money try to convince those WITH money that happiness can’t be bought. I think they’re trying to justify themselves that they don’t need money, even though they’d love to have more of it.

There are those who say that happiness is an inner state that can’t be bought by money. I agree, but it’s not happiness that money is buying. It’s the lifestyle and freedom that money can buy which helps to bring increased opportunities for happiness.

Having money increases the happy moments in life. As that linked article above mentions, you need money for survival, security, personal growth, charity and service, family and friends….

If you have no money, all you can do is try to be happy in your mind, which is often creating a false reality for you to exist in, in order to be happy. Money changes that, makes it real, so you can be happy with your life, rather than just in your mind.

Entry Filed under: Self Improvement