Will money buy You happiness? And why?
Now we all know about the age old debate of "can money buy happiness". However, that is something that differs from one person to another.
A teacher who makes $40k a year might have a vastly different outlook than a businessman that makes $200k a year. What's ironic is that while we think the businessman want more money, it will only equate to less happiness because he is used to having money. On the other hand, because the teacher is passionate about his job and probably went into the field because he truly cared, having more money will actually make him happier.
For me, money is a huge motivator to do things. I've always been a competitive person. I didn't grow up poor or anything, but I certainly wasn't rich. I lived a comfortable life where money wasn't too much of a problem. Because of that, I think it made me more competitive in other areas of life. I always needed to get the best grades, run the fastest, know the most facts, go to the best school, get the most scholarships, etc...
Due to that mentality, I know that making a lot of money is a definite part of my future. I don't need a lot of money to survive, but because of my nature, more money will mean that I'm more accomplished. That sense of accomplishment will make me happier in the end. I'll admit, I'm a superficial guy, and I honestly believe money can buy me happiness (though I'm extremely satisfied with life almost all the time).
How about y'all?
11 Comments • Newest first
you ever seen an unhappy person on a jet ski op...?
Yes. It would pay for my education, food, shelter, entertainment, etc. once it has less utility it would not be as important.
Yes, money can buy happiness. However, this doesn't mean that you NEED money for happiness. Plenty of poor people are happy with what they have, and as a contrast, plenty of rich people are extremely depressed. One way in which money can buy happiness is by spending it on others less fortunate than you are. Donating to charity, helping friends and family, or even making a stranger's day by buying a nice hot meal can all lead to a positive life. Look at this video:
[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSIkdWxotKw]watch this yo[/url]
@pr3stig3 It's a little different for me. My parents had a hard time providing for me throughout my life, even with basic necessities like food and shelter. I want to make sure that my kids have everything they need to have a normal childhood and so that they can pursue any opportunities that come their way.
....... is this even a question ...
@FriedSnake: Awesome video! I read somewhere that people derive more happiness from spending money on new experiences (traveling, nice restaurant, concert, etc...) than from buying new things for themselves (clothing, new car, house, etc...). I can totally see how spending money on others would make life more enjoyable.
@xreminiscing: Totally agree. I want to provide my future kids with the opportunities that my parents provided for me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSIkdWxotKw
I won't be happy in life until I know that I can provide my future children with everything that they need and can ever possibly want (not saying that I will necessarily give them everything they want). Only money can give me that ability.
Yes, I need money to buy land and turn them into beautiful jungles. I would also like to get another degree in college.
For me it wouldn't be because I can buy the things I want but it would be because I earned it and I deserved it. I would be happy knowing that my hard work bears fruit.
Money can buy happiness up to a point. Until that point, a lot of youths' ambitions are to do what it takes to secure as much money as they can to live comfortably. Maybe a nice education, or a well paying job, even if the experience isn't as fulfilling for the person.. but I'm generalizing.
Edit: Money is important to me, yes. But money isn't as big a priority than maintaining balance with life and work - that's uber important to me. x_x