Thursday, March 5, 2009
Does money buy happiness?
Today, in class, we discussed whether money causes happiness. We know that there is a direct correlation between unhappiness and money. I think that as Americans, we think that money is the most important factor in our lives. We are willing to do just about anything for money, but oftentimes the measures we take to achieve this money and what we ultimately think is happiness have quite the opposite affect. Also, I believe that we are a very materialistic society and that often times we think that buying the newest or biggest tv is going to enhance our lives, when in reality it doesn't do anything to ultimately better our lives. Oftentimes we buy on impulse or for short term satisfaction, but this feeling wears down quite quickly and ultimately does not increase our overall happiness. Another factor that I think increases happiness amoung those with less money is that they value what they do have. When a person has less money, they take pride in their hard work and the prized possessions they are able to afford. I think that this feeling of satisfaction is greatly important but also greatly lacking in America today.
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I agree completely when you say that people who have less have much more appreciation for what they have and value their hard work and every earned dollar. For a long time, America has been lacking the values that are essential in life. Nowadays, they are much more difficult to maintain, such as abstinence, underage drinking, and other illegal and/or immoral acts, but those who do in fact maintain such a lifestyle may struggle a little now but in the long run value his/her ethics and express true gratitude towards themselves. The Renaissance of Values and Morals must occur in order for happiness to be more 'popular' for lack of better word.
ReplyDeletehey great post i totally agree with everything especially how people who dont have as much appreciate more than someone who does have a lot. This goes back to how much are society revolves around materialism. I also think there is a connection between money and happiness even though it shouldnt bring happiness it unfortunitally does.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others comments. When you become so materialistic, the goods don't seem as important to you. Everything seems to revolve around money and the things it buys. But people who don't have money, appreciate what they earn and work towards. As the saying goes, "money can't buy happiness", it trues. People who are so materialistic are using that as a mask to cover the fact that their is something missing that they are trying to replace with goods.
ReplyDeleteKelsey-
ReplyDeleteCan you give some examples from your own life or things that you see in everyday life?