Having money is always better than not having money, right? Money doesn't equate to happiness, but it definitely influences it. Having more money makes life easier and less stressful, provides access to more opportunities and support for yourself or for others, and options. Money can’t influence pre-determined things like family (*cough* the classic rich with daddy issues character), but it does impact access to necessities, luxuries, and overall lifestyle.
Buying happiness consists of more than material goods or luxuries. Being able to purchase objects you want would definitely make you happy, but you could also buy more worthwhile experiences. Compared to short term joy from buying something, psychologist Sarah Gervais states that “the happiness that comes from purchasing experiences… tends to increase over time”. Less stress and more free time can come with more money, making life generally less stressful.
Money can also benefit those around you. It allows you to support your family and pave the way for future generations. A Pew study has shown that “a family’s economic circumstances play an exceptionally large part in determining a child’s economic prospects later in life”. A better home environment, opportunities for higher education, and more choices or freedom are all made possible with a solid starting foundation. In times of crisis, costs won’t hold you back, and in times of leisure you can also freely enjoy yourself. Money gives you a means of providing for your family or those around you and letting future generations live a better life.
Making money comes at the cost of hard work and time, but also clears the road for a comfortable life. Wealth cannot influence every ounce of someone’s happiness, but it can add a lot more joy and ease worries. Its influence is limited but definitely still present, and as long as you keep yourself in check, I believe money can buy at least some happiness.
- Sabrina
It's very cliche and ignorant to believe that money can't buy happiness. It absolutely can! I like how you point of that the act of having money isn't what make people happy. It's what the money can buy you. Freetime, a big house, food and comforts. If you have money, life's going to be much easier unless you do something stupid that causes a scandal. Good post!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog! Many people make the claim that money can't buy you happiness, but you make some good points about how it could. This is a great perspective!
ReplyDeleteYou bring up great points in this blog post. I think that people who say that money can't buy happiness come from a place of privilege. While money itself doesn't buy the happiness of friendship or love, it can buy you the happiness of not needing to constantly worry about paying the bills.
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