'kay. Choose, please?

[CrystalLight]

"Money can't buy happiness."

Do you think that quote is true or false? Why?

And what do you think is of more value; Financial Security or Endless amounts of happiness.



I don't think money can buy happiness, but it sure as shit can make things a helluva lot easier.

[TklDuo-Ann]

Money can certainly make life easier. However, I don't think it can bring more than fleeting moments of happiness. Personally, I shoot for joy over happiness...joy being that inner sense that exterior things (or a lack of them) can't rob them of.

Back when I was looking at the possibility of religious life, we had a banquet for those in the area who had very little of anything. It was a real eye opener to see folks, some of whom didn't even have a place to live, so full of joy. That's what I want...and strive for. Money can't provide that.

On the flip side, I've known people who have tons of money and loads of possessions who are completely miserable. So, go figure.

[BellaRisa]

Eh, money can make life easier but there are plenty of miserable wealthy people. And plenty of happy people who are broke, and they're, well, happy :). When I'm on my death bed looking back on my life, I think I'll cherish the happy times more than the times I was desolate but had enough money in the bank :happyfloa

[Rorschach Blues]

Eh, money can make life easier but there are plenty of miserable wealthy people. And plenty of happy people who are broke, and they're, well, happy :).

I couldn't agree more, I'm broke and happy, and I have a plan to get rich... all I need is a crew to help me rob a ba-errrr.... earn some money.

[kilitiinko1]

"Money can't buy happiness."


Obviously,you don`t know where to shop!

[kered]

People with money can have the same problems as people without money. I guess when you are truly miserable then money really doesn't help much. One can try but you really can't buy a way out of a broken heart, aquire more time, or stall death.

[desdemona]

Speaking as someone who was a struggling college student eating macaroni n cheese and PBJ, I made such good friends and have such strong feelings and memories of those years that I can look back on. Now that I'm able to earn a comfortable living, I still wasn't happy with just staying with the status quo. So I took a leap of faith and became indebted for another ten years while I work on paying off my half of the practice. But being the master of my own domain - while it comes with an expensive price tag - means I'm responsible for not only my own future, but the future of my employees and clients. HUGE deal. HUGE stress. Wouldn't trade it for anything. And if I won the lottery? I'm sure I'd find another way to challenge myself. I think that's the difference. How we handle what we're given. If life deals you no money, learn how to live with it and accept it and you find true happiness/joy. If you're born with or fall into money, while it may eliminate the possibility of hunger and homelessness, you have a bigger responsibility to those around you in how you to choose to spend your time and money. That's my 5 cents... (inflation...!)

[Myriads]

Money can buy the situation, that in turn, is part of one path to being happy.

For example, by being financially secure, one is relieved of some of the possible worries and stress in ones life, and that energy can be spent elsewhere and on things that can honestly make one happy.

So it's a tool that can help one find happiness, but it's cannot buy it directly in my opinion.

It can buy freedom from some forms of unhappiness though. Many issues can be solved with the application of some cash. A good way to tell if something is a real problem or just a challenge is to go "Would 20K solve this?" if yes, you have a challenge. If no you face a real problem.

Myriads

[Artoo]

Basically what Myriads said.

[alchemy]

If money can't BUY happiness, maybe you can just RENT it then.

[MrMacphisto]

Money buys happiness if you're extremely materialistic. Otherwise, it's limited in its ability to keep you happy.

[CrystalLight]

Thanks for all the responses so far. :)

I guess it's just hard for some folks to differentiate the two. Or are more focused on one, that they ignore the other. Which probably is what causes unhappiness in a way..

[xSamanthax]

Money itself doesn't buy happiness. But it does satisfy other basic needs so that one is more free to focus on happiness - if one so chooses.

Goes along with Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

[Bohemianne]

"Money can't buy happiness."



Nope. It *can* buy happiness. Imagine if you are financially liberated and doesn't need to toil the hard grounds for bucks... You can just push button on "well-paid" happy staff to answer stuff for you. All you will think about is how to plan your vanity and happiness. Then you can give 10% to Vatican without having to think it's from the bloody professional fee you signed and sealed equivalent to 15 years being liable to a client!

[fordtech30]

Money does make things easier in a relationship or even marriage. But if you can't work through the rough times, then you won't make it through the good times either.

Life isn't always wine and roses. If you truly love someone money isn't an issue.

[AngelOfDarkness]

I got no money to speak of....but I'm happy.

[milagros317]

My version of the saying is "Money can't buy happiness but lack of money can insure misery."

[Musicroxmysox]

Money doesn't but happiness, it buys security and safety and survival, but happiness comes from somewhere else entirely. A place where money doesn't matter and never will.

[Fangz]

A lot of people who win the lottery commit suicide. It's called the "Lotto Curse" or something. :cry1:

[Mephistopheles]

Money doesn't buy happiness, you have to make that for yourself.

[KrazieDog]

I guess its human nature to bend the rules to always squeeze out every drop we can, but to answer the original question, one or the other only, happiness wins out for me. Yes money makes for financial security and takes away burdens that cause unhappiness. But in a choose one or the other only for all time, it would be happiness. Money is nice and I love the stuff, but I'm surrounded by people in my job place that make a lot of it, and I see unhappy people everyday. I've cashed big checks in the past, and I've NEVER been as elated doing so, as when I spend a weekend with my friends doing nothing. Money is not the end all be all.

[kilitiinko1]

Money is not the end all be all.

Try telling that to your creditors!:p

[TklDuo-Drew]

Try telling that to your creditors!:p



Or your bartender;)



Drew

[slacker2114]

I've spent a good portion of my life broke as a joke. Even now, at my most stable point in my life, I'm nowhere near being considered well off. And yet, in 38 years, I've found happiness with my friends, my lady and with life in general. And I did it with very little money.

See, a common misconception is that happiness is ongoing. It's not. You find it in certain moments and situations. But it's a fleeting thing. As Dennis Leary said "Happiness is eating a chocolate chip cookie or a 10 second orgasm. You have the orgasm, you eat the cookie, you go to bed and get the fuck up and go to work". Crude, but true. Besides, we define ourselves as individuals by the adversity that we face. If we were happy all the time, we'd have no challenges in our lives and we'd grow bored to the point of suicide.

So yeah, money can buy happiness, but ultimately, it will make you shallow and miserable just from the lack of adversity. In the end, we're better off without it.

[Gothika]

i would mutch rather be happey then misrable with have lots of money there are more important things in life then money at least for me

[Gothika]

I've spent a good portion of my life broke as a joke. Even now, at my most stable point in my life, I'm nowhere near being considered well off. And yet, in 38 years, I've found happiness with my friends, my lady and with life in general. And I did it with very little money.

See, a common misconception is that happiness is ongoing. It's not. You find it in certain moments and situations. But it's a fleeting thing. As Dennis Leary said "Happiness is eating a chocolate chip cookie or a 10 second orgasm. You have the orgasm, you eat the cookie, you go to bed and get the fuck up and go to work". Crude, but true. Besides, we define ourselves as individuals by the adversity that we face. If we were happy all the time, we'd have no challenges in our lives and we'd grow bored to the point of suicide.

So yeah, money can buy happiness, but ultimately, it will make you shallow and miserable just from the lack of adversity. In the end, we're better off without it.

verry well said my friend

[gluestick]

Yea, I think it can. Happiness is very subjective, so if a person is materialistic I think they can be totally happy with their life. You need to consider that some people simply don't care about the immaterial. The very state of our world demonstrates this. Some people can't differentiate frivolous things from the more substantial, and agreement over what is substantial depends on the person. Someone could be happy owning a "bitchin" iroc-z camaro but miserable trying to raise a kid. Its unfair to label others as "truly unhappy" if their concept of happiness isn't in line with ours. I bet there are a lot of Bhuddists monks out there thinking that they've achieved true happiness while us poor slobs in Everytown USA are just kidding ourselves and are actually miserable because we haven't moved a single step towards achieving nirvana. So yea, I'm sure money can buy happiness for some.

[nerdness]

go 1:30 in, and, yeah:

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[vladtickleman22]

I've always been of the mindset that money does not buy happiness. But it most definately makes things TONS easier.

[Skipadeedoodah]

Having money doesn't guarantee happiness, but not having enough money to live on pretty much guarantees unhappiness, or at least struggle, which I imagine most don't find all that satisfying.

[Coda]

Um...

Well, the phrase is already abstract, which makes it sort of meaningless ask whether it's true. People can use money to buy some things that really do make their life even more fantastic because they love using the things, like Internet connectivity or oranges or telescopes.

On the other hand, I'm fairly sure people can become attached to the feeling of actually buying things, even if the things don't turn out to be useful. I think the happiest outcome is available to the frugal; do save and spend money on things, but take your time and make sure that the things are really the best things to buy, and that you'll really use or enjoy them.

Plus you can give money to food banks or charity, and who knows how much happiness, to go back into vague poetic-speak, that might buy others.

Next, let's discuss whether bows and arrows can attack love.

[asutickler]

Endless amounts of happiness would be a little bit disturbing and unnatural. Furthermore, if you were happy all the damn time it would begin to lose its shine after a while. You need a little yin to balance the yang.

Or, to put it another way:

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Also:

<div><object width="420" height="339"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x28sze" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x28sze" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="339" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always"></embed></object><br />


What can I say? Rhinos love dollars. :D

[Ticklish9's]

Happiness is a decision you make, not a goal you achieve.

If you spend your life chasing happiness, you'll never get there. Nothing is ever going to MAKE you happy.

Now invert that - if nothing is going to make you happy, then what is stopping you from being happy right now?

Nothing.

So you might as well be happy. If you are unhappy, it is because you are letting circumstances dictate your mood to you. And why do that?

You have free will. You have control over your mind. Things might be stressing you out - and lack of money can certainly lead to a lot of stress - but if you stop, take a deep breath, and let yourself be happy, then you will be.

It really is that simple. And money really does have nothing to do with it, though I'll admit it's a lot easier to get a handle on your stress if you have the financial strength to meet your basic needs.

[xionking]

Money would bring me a whole lot more happiness. I ain't gonna lie. Am I happy working crappy casual jobs being offered fuck all hours a week just to earn the couple of hundred bucks that assists me in paying the bills to feed the machine that constantly fucks me over?

No.

-Xionking

[Dialon]

I think there are many different types of happiness. In this case it would be more of, "whats more important, emotional or material happiness." Money provides things you need or want and to me that is a much different kind of happiness than emotional happiness, such as having best friends to count on; spouse, supportive family, ect.

So for me id say money an buy material happiness, but not emotional.

[kis123]

I might sound like I lack morals and ethics, but my response to this question is "show me the money!"

I can make myself happy knowing that I'm not going to lose my home, my vehicle, and that I can keep my utilities running. I can also be happy knowing I can help my family, friends, and causes I've always wanted to be a part of. Since I'd be a silent giver, I wouldn't worry about being duped by some golddigger; he'd never know about my financial position unless I was interested in marriage.

IMHO, I think money can buy a lot of happiness, especially in this economy.

[xionking]

That's right. This recession is no myth. I can almost touch it.

I break happiness down into what I like to call "The Four L's".

Love - You're in a healthy relationship, where there is mutual respect for one another, and there is a level of dependency but not to the extent where being an individual becomes lost.

Life - This with "lifestyle" covers money, and how that money is being spent and managed, and when it's being spent, how it is affecting the standard in which you are living.

Legal - This is an obvious "L". If you're keeping out of trouble, and you're not setting up bombs around the place then the legal side of your happiness should remain intact.

Lifestyle - This covers money as well, but looks at how money is being spent on things that could affect your lifestyle. For example, an individual is spending his/her money to support a drug addiction, therefore their lifestyle would obviously be affected in a negative way. Another example could be an individual who can't balance work and fun, and their job performance starts being affect. Everything in balance though. There's no reason why somebody can't be a respectable, successful person who once a blue moon likes to go out, party and get on it.

These four "L"s all link into one another too. If one is supporting a drug addiction, then their legal side is bound to eventually be affected. If one of these four "L"s are not being worked out, then I don't think one could be truly happy.

And it is fucking hard to have the four "L"s all working positively simultaneously; which is why people say happiness is a "fleeting moment", because at that point, some things are going right, but perhaps others aren't. But if there is a right balance, and these four "L"s are being managed appropriately, then I think that happiness will be felt, and a feeling of contentment and satisfaction will come about.

-Xionking

[Flatfoot]

After reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad, it's my goal to achieve financial security so that I can spend my time seeking to achieve the latter. A funny concept I learned from that book is that money is a man-made concept that doesn't really exist. When I think about all the ways a person can make money (keyword: make, not earn), the statement rings true. Over time, I'd like to invest in property that I can rent out to create passive income. After a few well-thought investments, a person can create enough income to outweigh their expenses, and never have to work again. If I can get my ball rolling, I'm going to work towards that.

[Lord Doctor]

If things make you happy, gadgets, videos, books, cars. Then money does indeed buy you happiness.

[Sandrock74]

Money buys whatever you want in life, so yes, it can buy happiness.

Girls won't let you tickle them? Flash the cash and guess what? Now you can! Funny how that works...

[Tortuga]

"Money can't buy happiness."

Do you think that quote is true or false? Why?

And what do you think is of more value; Financial Security or Endless amounts of happiness.



I don't think money can buy happiness, but it sure as shit can make things a helluva lot easier.

In my situation at this very moment, time, year of agony....yes it can. Due to the fact that the economy has eatten this country to death, I continue to be unemployed. Considering that I reside in a very isolated country part of Virginia, the job market isn't that great unless your a farmer or an auto mechanic. I guess auto mechanic because no one would want to get a flat tire or a broken transmission in this god for saking rot hole. And now that gas has gotten higher, it makes it even more difficult to branch out to other near by cities. After struggling for so long, it has led me to a depression. Yeah I have my store, but that's not enough. I have credit card companies calling me 12 times daily, wanting what I don't have a dime of. If I had money right now I would be damn happy.

[kis123]

In my situation at this very moment, time, year of agony....yes it can. Due to the fact that the economy has eatten this country to death, I continue to be unemployed. Considering that I reside in a very isolated country part of Virginia, the job market isn't that great unless your a farmer or an auto mechanic. I guess auto mechanic because no one would want to get a flat tire or a broken transmission in this god for saking rot hole. And now that gas has gotten higher, it makes it even more difficult to branch out to other near by cities. After struggling for so long, it has led me to a depression. Yeah I have my store, but that's not enough. I have credit card companies calling me 12 times daily, wanting what I don't have a dime of. If I had money right now I would be damn happy.

I'm right there with ya' sista'!!

After dedicating over four years, 70K, and sacrifcing all I know to educate myself and become more marketable, I've been sitting at home unproductive nearly 10 months. My degree came in the mail about a week and a half ago; It's still in the mailer because I can't even celebrate it right now.

I don't even pick up my landline before 9pm when the collectors stop calling; it's shut off every other month anyway. I can go on and on with my tales of debetors woe, but the fact of the matter is I'm not the only going through and my story is not better or worse than anyone elses.

I know if I had any power to make things better for the unemployed, I'd jump on that in a minute. There are a lot of struggling people out here and money and jobs would make a major difference for them all.

Tortuga, your story breaks my heart but know you're not alone in your struggles.

[Excess]

Whoever said money can't buy happiness was clearly poor. Because yes, it can, and does, and will. It can even buy love. REAL love. After all, you can't find love if you can't afford to pay the cash to get in the fucking club/whatever.

And don't you even fucking tell me that having enough money to buy thousands of cream topped brownie cakes isn't the happiest thing you can ever experience! Have you had those things? They're the single most delicious things ever made, ever!

[Lord Doctor]

It's more likely that whoever said "money can't buy you happiness" was loaded! Trying t put someone off getting rich, perhaps?
Think about it.

[Excess]

Eh, perhaps, I just find it more likely to be someone who is validating their self-worth by believing in what they don't have, so as not to feel compelled to attempt to become successful and therefor wealthy in money.

[Tortuga]

I'm right there with ya' sista'!!

After dedicating over four years, 70K, and sacrifcing all I know to educate myself and become more marketable, I've been sitting at home unproductive nearly 10 months. My degree came in the mail about a week and a half ago; It's still in the mailer because I can't even celebrate it right now.

I don't even pick up my landline before 9pm when the collectors stop calling; it's shut off every other month anyway. I can go on and on with my tales of debetors woe, but the fact of the matter is I'm not the only going through and my story is not better or worse than anyone elses.

I know if I had any power to make things better for the unemployed, I'd jump on that in a minute. There are a lot of struggling people out here and money and jobs would make a major difference for them all.

Tortuga, your story breaks my heart but know you're not alone in your struggles.


I mean reading over this thread to what others have to say, it's really making me cry. Because I feel so pathetic. Because I don't have the happy that I had a year ago in Tampa, living, working with the best coworkers that became my family, having a car that was mine. But now I don't have that because of my stupid mistake. It rips me to pieces everytime I think about it. If I had 5 grand to get me out of debt right now, and stopped the credit card CO phone calls, I would be estatic. I would be myself.

[maniactickler]

Aside from health, i put money next on the list of importance.

[BellaRisa]

Aside from health, i put money next on the list of importance.

I have to say, if this country had proper health care money would honestly be pretty low on my list of priorities. I've never needed a lot to be happy, and frankly my life is happier and more peaceful than many of my friends who make two and three times more than I do at this point, because they don't have the loving partners or fun job(s) that I have. I've been broke and alone, and broke with someone who loves me; the love part is what made all the difference between broke-scared-and-miserable and broke-but-happy :holdinghands:

[NonConTickler]

People who have enough money that they don't have to work anymore, and say they aren't happy are either lying or stupid beyond belief. I have a VERY materialistic and hedonistic view of life. The reason I suffer from depression is because I don't have the money to live a materialistic, hedonistic life and am too lazy to do anything about it. 2 things matter most to me in life: pleasure and comfort Being a millionaire and especially a multimillionaire all but guarantees all the pleasures and comforts the world has to offer.

I read that some preacher on his deathbed said something to the effect of "the only way to be 'foolishly' happy in this world is to: be healthy enough, wealthy enough, and not care about the less fortunate" Well I'm relatively healthy, and don't give a damn about the less fortunate except when the less fortunate is me. So all I need is the money! And wealth is wasted on so many who are too stupid to just enjoy what they have. One other thing, if anyone did anything I didn't like (was rude to me in some way basically) it would be so much fun to get in their face and say "Do you know who I am?? I'm worth X Million dollars!!! I could buy you and sell you right now. I'm BETTER than you!!"

Basically for me, a materialistic hedonistic life would just consist of sleeping 16 hours a day, playing video games and having sex with the hottest barely legal girls my money could buy. I would just be living in a really fancy house and wearing really expensive clothes while doing it.

Taking into account what I just said and what matters to me in life, how someone can say that being wealthy does not guarantee happiness is beyond me.

[Tortuga]

People who have enough money that they don't have to work anymore, and say they aren't happy are either lying or stupid beyond belief. I have a VERY materialistic and hedonistic view of life. The reason I suffer from depression is because I don't have the money to live a materialistic, hedonistic life and am too lazy to do anything about it. 2 things matter most to me in life: pleasure and comfort Being a millionaire and especially a multimillionaire all but guarantees all the pleasures and comforts the world has to offer.

I read that some preacher on his deathbed said something to the effect of "the only way to be 'foolishly' happy in this world is to: be healthy enough, wealthy enough, and not care about the less fortunate" Well I'm relatively healthy, and don't give a damn about the less fortunate except when the less fortunate is me. So all I need is the money! And wealth is wasted on so many who are too stupid to just enjoy what they have. One other thing, if anyone did anything I didn't like (was rude to me in some way basically) it would be so much fun to get in their face and say "Do you know who I am?? I'm worth X Million dollars!!! I could buy you and sell you right now. I'm BETTER than you!!"

Basically for me, a materialistic hedonistic life would just consist of sleeping 16 hours a day, playing video games and having sex with the hottest barely legal girls my money could buy. I would just be living in a really fancy house and wearing really expensive clothes while doing it.

Taking into account what I just said and what matters to me in life, how someone can say that being wealthy does not guarantee happiness is beyond me.

Are you this honest in person? because I can seriously understand why you don't have that and not getting one girl to sleep with you. :slapfight:

[CrystalLight]

Are you this honest in person? because I can seriously understand why you don't have that and not getting one girl to sleep with you. :slapfight:

*cough* (http://www.ticklingforum.com/showthread.php?t=147620)

[*giggles*]

i suppose if you're already a very happy person and your only stress in life is finance-related, suddenly acquiring lots of money would create a sort of happiness. my answer: can money buy happiness? no. can money provide comfort and ease stress? of course. there are lots of ways to be unhappy that having lots of money will do nothing for.

[Ticklerguy4u]

Money can't buy genuine happiness or love because if the person had it they wouldn't need to purchase it. Using money for a big car instead of a normal size car, getting a mansion when you don't need that many rooms...etc. Filling the ego is what makes that person happy.

Using money for the basic necessities (eating, drinking, shelter, warmth, etc.) doesn't count because we would be happy if it came free also.

[NonConTickler]

Are you this honest in person? because I can seriously understand why you don't have that and not getting one girl to sleep with you. :slapfight:

I just say things that most people think but don't say because they've been taught that it's "wrong" to think that way. In our society, money = power and having power is fun. It's that simple.

[Bugman]

I just say things that most people think but don't say because they've been taught that it's "wrong" to think that way. In our society, money = power and having power is fun. It's that simple.

Oy.It's been said before,and i don't mention it again to be mean spirited but man you really need some professional help with your outlook on life and people.I hope you will seek it out before it's too late.

[starburstz91]

I feel that that question is meant more for the love of somebody. If you're in love with a person, and they love you back, you experience the most happiness that you've ever felt. Same thing with friends and familiy. The more you love them, and the more they love you, the most joyous you'll be.

[kis123]

I just say things that most people think but don't say because they've been taught that it's "wrong" to think that way. In our society, money = power and having power is fun. It's that simple.

I have to say I truly don't believe most people think as you do. I've always appreciated your honesty, but it is beyond disturbing to know you actually have this low of an outlook on life. If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time......

Besides, what good would power be to you if all you do is breathe and play video games? It would be completely wasted.

I'm with bugman; I truly hope one day you'll come on this forum to tell us that you found help and improved your life and your attitude.

[vladtickleman22]

It's been fairly interesting reading over the responses. Everything from flat out no's to people being stupid if they are not happy that they are filthy rich. I have been on both ends of the spectrum. Yes, more people want to be around you when you can fly them to vegas in private jets and stay in the best suite with all the trimmings. But they don't actually CARE about you.

Some people might be fine having no one actually giving a shit about them. Just wanting to be around them because of what they can get out of it. If you think THAT is being happy, good for you. When age catches up with you and it does EVERYONE no matter how much money they have. Those people will move on to a new younger person and you will be left alone with all your material goods.

In closing,

I have debt and not much savings at all. But memorial day weekend i went to a bbq with family, laughed, ate and was around people that actually CARED about me and i them. I AM HAPPY.

[rhiannon]

Sure money can buy you happiness. At least it can make you happier than you already are!

I for my part have family and friends right now (I guess that is what the saying is aiming at you can't buy), and if I suddenly got rich, they would still be there. So the money would just make me able to get rid of a lot of worries and therefore would make me happier! :)

[Flatfoot]

It may sound cliched, but I'd like to add that the amount of money doesn't really matter so much as to how you spend/invest it. Many people say that if they won the lottery, they'd be all set. After I sold my house, I learned how easy it was to blow through thousands of dollars in less than a day. I'm not saying that I spent it foolishly. I was able to pay off most of my debt with the proceeds (I only wish I realized taxes weren't taken out of the proceeds and that I'd have to pay that BACK come April! :banghead: ), and still have money to get situated comfortably in a new state. It was just funny to me to look at my bank account balance, which was suddenly much larger than it's ever been, and that when it was much smaller, I was able to get by just fine, but even with a larger amount of money, I "needed" that money to go to certain places. I figured out that no matter how much money a person can have, people, like the government, will find a way to spend it, and without investing properly, can get right back to square one.

[NonConTickler]

I always say, give me the money and let me find out for myself if it buys happiness or not. Rather than taking someone's word for it. If a person was wealthy enough to do what they want, when they want, and didn't have to answer to anyone and WEREN'T happy and carefree every waking moment of their lives, then they likely had very different values than mine.

Try to find something, ANYTHING that I would care about if I was wealthy and I'll tell you how much that thing would matter to me if I was wealthy and had all the freedom and power that goes with material wealth. I dare anyone.

[love feet]

Money can make you happy for a time but never for ever!!!.

[Chrisums]

Seems like a pretty straightforward question, some things being constant.

Considering we're talking about JUST me and no one else with me (a wife, kid, etc), then the happiness. Why? Well, I'm making money to be happy (eating, having a house, having stuff). If I can be endlessly happy wasting away in a gutter somewhere... more power to it. I'm sure not working for the fun of it.

Now, if I actually have responsibilities, then it would be super selfish to take the happiness over the financial security.

[NonConTickler]

Seems like a pretty straightforward question, some things being constant.

Considering we're talking about JUST me and no one else with me (a wife, kid, etc), then the happiness. Why? Well, I'm making money to be happy (eating, having a house, having stuff). If I can be endlessly happy wasting away in a gutter somewhere... more power to it. I'm sure not working for the fun of it.

Now, if I actually have responsibilities, then it would be super selfish to take the happiness over the financial security.

No no no, the question isn't money or happiness. The question is "can money buy happiness?"

[Coup de Grace]

I'm going to rock the boat and say that money CAN buy you happiness, albeit temporary happiness.

You can't buy friends, but money can buy you friendship. Stooges and groupies flock to people with money. They'll pretend to be your friend and if you're naive to that fact, well, ignorance is bliss.

You can't buy love, but you can buy lust in the form of escorts. Sex is a nice diversion. Additionally, shallow, pretty women want a guy with money. A trophy girlfriend will make you happy for the short haul.

If your health is failing you can afford to have the best doctors and/or medical care which in most cases will nurse you back to health. You can't be happy if you're sick or on your deathbed.

Financial security might not be able to fill all the voids, but it can give you temporary happiness and peace of mind. There are only 2 things that rank below poor: sick and dead.

[Mephistopheles]

Recent research has shown that to a certain extent (around 100k a year or so) more money does increase happiness, but after that there are no more gains to be made with more money.

Apparently the human mind is only capable to view cashflow in terms of a little, a nice amount, a lot and a motherfucking shitload, with the latter category being of unspecifiable size.

[NonConTickler]

The more money you have, the more you can control the kinds of stimuli that comes into your life. Avoid the unpleasant stimuli by: paying people to do things for you that you don't feel like doing, being able to cut anyone out of your life forever that you want because being rich there's nothing you could need them for anymore, being in a position of power in most of your interactions with other people because again you don't need anything from anybody; interactions with other people only on your terms

The pleasant stimuli is more obvious: the newest flashiest electronics, cars, houses, clothes, and sexual partners. Plus the comfort of hearing news stories about poor people on food stamps, welfare, in unemployment lines, etc and being able to say "not my problem, better them than me". I've always been a rich snob in a working class body, always wanted to look down my nose at people who have less than me. Unfortunately all my life I've been poor so I'm the kind of person I would look down my nose at if I was rich.

But anyway, if you have the kind of money to do these things, there's no reason to give a flying fuck about anything else

[b0xr]

I think money CAN buy you happiness if your problems in life stem from financial difficulties.
If you are unhappy about things other than your finances, then I do not think money can buy you happiness, no matter what the amount.

[NonConTickler]

If my finances were taken care of for the rest of my life, there would be nothing else I'd care about enough to be unhappy over it.

[Korastus]

The pleasant stimuli is more obvious: the newest flashiest electronics, cars, houses, clothes, and sexual partners. Plus the comfort of hearing news stories about poor people on food stamps, welfare, in unemployment lines, etc and being able to say "not my problem, better them than me". I've always been a rich snob in a working class body, always wanted to look down my nose at people who have less than me. Unfortunately all my life I've been poor so I'm the kind of person I would look down my nose at if I was rich.

The fewer people who get to behave in such a disgusting manner, the better.

[Artoo]

The fewer people who get to behave in such a disgusting manner, the better.

See, now; I think in some ways Noncon is one of the more honest posters on here.
I just bought a ticket for the Euromillions lottery draw. The jackpot prize for this week is £23 million. With that sort of money, I would very easily stop caring about the plights of those stuck in a recession that seems impossible to get out of.

Sickening? Yes. Human nature? Yes.

[kis123]

The more money you have, the more you can control the kinds of stimuli that comes into your life. Avoid the unpleasant stimuli by: paying people to do things for you that you don't feel like doing, being able to cut anyone out of your life forever that you want because being rich there's nothing you could need them for anymore, being in a position of power in most of your interactions with other people because again you don't need anything from anybody; interactions with other people only on your terms

I control these issues already and I might have about 100 bucks to my name presently. Learning to say "no" and letting go of toxic relationships has always been tough for me because I have a tendency of holding onto things way too long. I'm learning to accept seasonal relationships so when it looks like it's time to move on it's not so emotionally gut wrenching for me.

But for the most part, I agree with you.


The pleasant stimuli is more obvious: the newest flashiest electronics, cars, houses, clothes, and sexual partners. Plus the comfort of hearing news stories about poor people on food stamps, welfare, in unemployment lines, etc and being able to say "not my problem, better them than me". I've always been a rich snob in a working class body, always wanted to look down my nose at people who have less than me. Unfortunately all my life I've been poor so I'm the kind of person I would look down my nose at if I was rich.

But anyway, if you have the kind of money to do these things, there's no reason to give a flying fuck about anything else

And here is where I vehemently disagree with you.

I don't want to get religious or philosophical on you, but I really do believe that one's circumstances come from the issues of the heart/mind. If someone doesn't give a damn about anyone else or looks down at their issues, it becomes a barrier to their own progress/success. You can wish and want for wealth all you want but if you don't change your mind and heart, it'll never come to you and you'll always be striving in frustration. Again, it's my personal belief, not something I can give you hard evidence about.

Also, I know of few who have ever gained wealth from doing nothing unless they inherited it. If you have no rich relatives dying to leave you money, you're going to have to figure a plan to obtaining wealth that includes....work. Otherwise keep buying those lottery tickets and hope for the best.

I've seen many of your posts over the years and feel that although honest, they reek of narcissism and total self-absorption. Maybe those are qualities of the rich, but they have money already. I feel if you opened your mind and world past yourself that you could become much more successful.

[AmericaRocks]

Honestly? Money often does make people happier. But it's one of many things that can make someone happy, and doesn't necessarily guarantee happiness. And like most things that make people happy, it also has the potential to cause unhappiness.

[kis123]

See, now; I think in some ways Noncon is one of the more honest posters on here.
I just bought a ticket for the Euromillions lottery draw. The jackpot prize for this week is £23 million. With that sort of money, I would very easily stop caring about the plights of those stuck in a recession that seems impossible to get out of.

Sickening? Yes. Human nature? Yes.

That's not everyone's human nature Artoo.

I have no problem sharing what I can with the less fortunate in borderline poverty. I'd certainly have no problem sharing in wealth. What changes is what I do, who and how much I do, and remaining in private while I do it.

I guess this is more of a case of personal nature, not necessarily human nature.

[Merkle'sBoner]

There's a theory in psychology called "Locus of Control" that states a person is psychologically healthy to the extent that they believe they are in control of what happens to them. Internal locus of control (I am mostly in control of what happens to me) = psychologically healthy. External locus of control (what happens to me is determined mostly by factors out of my control) = emotionally unhealthy.

There's no denying that the more money you have the more power you have. Power is just another word for control. It could be that people who have a lot of money and/or power and still destroy themselves with drugs and such, do so because they still don't feel in control of their lives. Just a thought.

[texastickler]

I guess it depends on your situation. Money in general can lead to more problems. My parent never had a lot but they were always happy. They loved each other and made do with what they have, Being single, it might be better to have a more money so you can have some of the things you need withought the worry of a lot bills. I do not have a lot of money but I am happy with my life in almost every way. Money can't buy happiness but It can by a house and a food and medicine. Those things make me happy so there you go. I think when that quote was thought up it was talking about the big picture. Love and friendship. Money can't buy those things and they should make you very happy. Now that I am done being confusing I will shut up now. :D

[tickleteasing]

This is why money can not buy happiness. Nobody has enough money in the world to end all suffering. There are certain things that simply do not have price tags. Like if you donated say 50 million dollars to aids research you have no guarantee that it will result in a cure, will it help yes, but will it ease the suffering no. Even if I had Warren Buffet's money I could not make sure every single person in the world had three meals a day, a roof over there head, and enough money to pay there rent, and other expenses. I think money can ease suffering but the problem is it can not ease all the suffering.

[Merkle'sBoner]

This is why money can not buy happiness. Nobody has enough money in the world to end all suffering. There are certain things that simply do not have price tags. Like if you donated say 50 million dollars to aids research you have no guarantee that it will result in a cure, will it help yes, but will it ease the suffering no. Even if I had Warren Buffet's money I could not make sure every single person in the world had three meals a day, a roof over there head, and enough money to pay there rent, and other expenses. I think money can ease suffering but the problem is it can not ease all the suffering.

I'm sorry but, being rich and being unhappy because you can't "end all suffering" is just silly. Just enjoy the goddamn money. Date some supermodels and drive a Lamborghini, you know live it up. Give some to charity if it makes you feel good, but c'mon.

[AnnieHall]

Money can't buy happiness, but it sure as hell paves the way to happiness.

[Comfort Eagle]

Anyone who says money can't buy happiness has never been broke as shit.

[Filthyweasel]

It's a secure future that brings happiness. Knowing that you're going to be okay all the way to the horizon of your foreseeable plans. Money and the means to make it makes that easy. I've been uncertain about my future since September of '09, when I learned I was going to be laid off. I haven't had a secure job since. Then this morning I finally got the job offer I'd been dying to hear about. Last night my tax money arrived.

Trust me, I'm a happy guy right now. Even by NEST I'm sure I won't have wiped off the grin.