Money can't buy happiness

Discussion in 'Psychology' started by eagle, May 5, 2006.

  1. Atlantic

    Atlantic

    hmm - you think that what you feel the first few days/weeks/months with a new car is true happiness? but then after you got used to that new car and are no longer so "happy" with it - what will you do - go and trade it for an even better/faster/stronger one? and then again you are happy for - say - a few more weeks/months?

    ok - maybe this works - and if you got all the money in the world you can always go and buy another toy. but this is not true happiness. it's more the feeling you have with a new girl - the first days/weeks - maybe months - you are over the top, because she is so ....

    but then - when you got used to her a little bit - it will turn out if it's true happiness or if you just thought you were truely happy because that girl was sooo.... . and then - go and find a new girl that is even more.... whatever - and then you are happy again for a few weeks or months.

    i know what you mean - but this is not true happiness - it is more a way of killing time - but i don't say that it's bad thing - it's just no method for the long run you know. maybe a way to spend a hot summer :D

    but hey - i admit that i would be unhappier without my money (which does not mean that i'm rich.... or happy)
     
    #101     May 7, 2006
  2. Atlantic

    Atlantic

    life is about love and work

    but the world is about money and sex

    any thoughts?


    btw - recently i read the statement that money does not spoil the character - it just reveals one's TRUE character.
     
    #102     May 7, 2006
  3. Which imaginary planet are you king of?

    Let me guess you read about all the stories where you just pay a manager and they run everything for you

    while you sit at home , drink beer and collect checks?


    Lack of experience + Naive = Laughable False perceptions.
     
    #103     May 7, 2006


  4. 2 reasons:

    1) They are old

    2) They are anti-social not looking for P*ssy.


    Check any rich player who dates models,
    Then come back to me with a response :)


    Or you just like to be a fidgety rich nerd, Which is fine by me, Have your old 1980s toyota.


    I'd rather be Trump dating Melania in his royce. Thats just my preference though hahahahhaha.
     
    #104     May 7, 2006
  5. Atlantic

    Atlantic

    ok - no argument - if you would like to be like trump, etc. - fine.

    but what you are talking about is prostitution - pure and simple.
     
    #105     May 7, 2006
  6. Cheese

    Cheese

    Happiness as an aim is very shallow. But the notion appears to hold the multitude in its thrall.

    I have never sought happiness.
    From purpose I get satisfaction. I live with purpose and it may be that style of life resonates with a few others here. Often times it gives you a great deal of contentedness but that comes as a byproduct of purpose, agenda and achievement.

    Many people, bottom line, are idle by nature and I simply see it as their choice for their life. Or many too appear to have shallow minds and no lifting thoughts beyond material aims in life. I see no harm in it; indeed its keeps capitalism buzzing with activity and again its a question of choice for those very very many who live that way.
    :)
     
    #106     May 7, 2006

  7. hi,

    are you familiar with the works of ayn rand? i think you might enjoy her writings.

    http://www.aynrand.org/site/PageServer?pagename=objectivism_index

    i am not 100% objectivist as i believe in a spiritual side of life. however, for living on this earth, objectivism makes much sense.

    best,

    surfer--- <i>spiritual materialist</i>
     
    #107     May 7, 2006
  8. okay, i'll weigh in on the topic.

    i'm amazed at how many on this thread believe that money CAN buy happiness. money can help you be more comfortable. money can help you be more secure. no one is saying that people don't work for money, they do. but sorry guys, money doesn't buy happiness.

    have you ever heard a middle aged or older person say that some of the happiest times in their life were when they were poor and struggling? there's a reason for that. money complicates some things.

    i know an older man who is very wealthy. is he happy? no. when i was struggling along, i used to wish i had his money. then i realized that having his money wasn't going to make me happy any more than it made him happy.

    okay, follow me here. there's a certain zen to life. another guy on this et website talking on this very topic said that there has to be a "suck factor". i agree. you have to have some struggles in life. if money isn't your struggle, it will be something else - your health, your relationships, your situation.

    sure, we all try to make money to provide for ourselves and our families. yes, bill gates makes more than most. does that make him happier than most people? no. i think what makes people happiest is love. oh no! did i just say that? money can't buy me love.... :p

    okay, i'm digressing now. i'll get back on point. when i say what makes people happiest is love, i don't mean sex or opposite sex companionship or any of that crap. i mean supportive people who care about you - friends, family, etc.

    some of the poorest people i know are some of the happiest b/c they have mastered the art of having plenty of friends. in a way, it seems easier to make friends when you're poor b/c then you live closer to your neighbors, are less isolated, have more of a need to lean on others, and the people you meet have less of an issue with you b/c they're not jealous of your wealth, status, etc. of course, many poor people have not mastered the art of friendship, but my point is that supportive, loving relationships are what make people happiest. also, i would say that money and good relationships are not mutually exclusive. we spend a lot of our lives trying to chase the allmighty dollar, but it's important to try to connect with others along the way. the end. :)
     
    #108     May 7, 2006

  9. bravo. you have captured the essence of this truth.

    can live in a shotgun shack and still be happy. consistent with my last post, i would say you are likely happiest in your shotgun shack if you have friends and family whom you trust and who love and support you.
     
    #109     May 7, 2006
  10. toc

    toc

    "when i say what makes people happiest is love"

    I would disagree, there is an old eastern saying: The miserey of attachment and the bliss of dettachment.

    This goes for all types of love, with woman, friends, relatives or even your pet dog. The truest happiness is connection with the Allmighty.
     
    #110     May 7, 2006