Money is a very interesting object. It refers to the system we have in place that regulates trade throughout the world-wide economy. People do foolish things for money, therefore the phrase “Money can’t buy happiness” came into existence. This statement has been spoken to me numerous times in my life, by many different people. I have asked each and everyone of these people to prove or explain in detail what the statement really means. Not one of these people have had a solid explanation or reasoning behind their statement. This has compelled me to explore the relationship between money and happiness.
How do we determine what Happiness is?
Psychologically, it is up to ones self to determine what makes them happy. This is not something that can be controlled, it is usually a result of ones environment, experience, and knowledge.
• The way in which we interact with the people around us has a direct impact on our happiness.
• The experience we gain throughout our lives and the obstacles it throws us affects our happiness.
• Knowledge is probably one of the most important factors that affects our happiness. If we see others with “happier” lives it will drive us to be increasingly unhappy about ours.
Happiness is basically a result of the equation that involves the things we can get minus the things we want.
Why does money matter?
More often than not the things we want usually outnumber the things we can get. Additionally, in American culture, due to consumerism, the things we want are typically material things. A child is not “cool” at school if he does not have the newest toy-fad. A man is not respected by his associates unless he has that fancy watch and expensive car. This highlights the idea that more money equals more happiness, which is generally true. The closer we are in range of our desires – the happier we will be.
But there is an interesting twist to this equation that brings you right back to first part of the equation, money. Your haters! They are those very people that didn’t think you were cool without the newest toy in school, or that you weren’t worth listening to because of the car you showed up in. As soon as you have achieved your desires, you spark a light for haters – those are the guys that are jealous of what you have so they don’t let you fully enjoy your successes, ultimately driving you to be unhappy.
But as Katt Williams describes: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxxPLDZnqwA)
“You need haters, they let you know you are doing something right.”
I’m not sure how to perfect this equation but I’d love to explore further, what do you think?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Money makes me happy.
I can’t buy happiness, but it can temporarily make you happier.
Happiness is being grateful for what you have. Success is never being content. Also, Kat Williams is freaking hilarious.
Money expands the options you have. It’s up to you to choose the right option for you.
Its an endless equation of sorts. Life can be happy for those who treat it that way. However those who are happy with what they have usually are those sitting around not progressing anywhere (and prob unhappy about it). Success, as Moe stated, requires us to never be content. Maybe thats why the founders of the U.S wrote “…life, liberty, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS” and ‘happiness’ stood for monetary/material success more than just satisfaction of life.
You make your own happiness. It doesn’t require any amount of money.