The question of whether money can buy happiness has been debated over the years, sparking debate over the idealistic thinkers and materialistic individuals. Financial comfort can grant relaxation and peace of mind, but it’s a question of if happiness can be found under wealth. Does money buy happiness?
People look online to find celebrities living lavish lifestyles of splendor, bathing in the riches they bring in, people with that comfortable life-style of Hawaii trips 3 times a month, eating lobster for dinner, or to even go as far as buying a $60 million home; like Kim Kardashian. Are people like that happy though? Do they look in the mirror thinking this is where they truly want to be in life?
FRegina Gauthier, junior at Waterford High School, says, “I don’t think money buys happiness, but I don’t think it can’t feel fulfilling, since you’re not overwhelmed with the natural struggles of life for once. And I feel pretty happy when I spend money on myself and others. But I do believe that money only holds value because people allow it to. Ultimately, it’s useless. Personally I think it’s helped a lot of people as it’s hurt due to the greed behind it.”
Money has the power to alleviate life’s hardships and give comforting care. Its value is shaped by our intentions, leading up to potential greed or solace. Ultimately, it’s a person’s perspective on money that determines its true worth.
A great example of money not buying happiness is Amy Winehouse, who died from alcohol intoxication on July 23rd, 2011. It is not confirmed that she died from suicide, but it is a known fact that the actress struggled with manic depression. Before she died, Amy Winehouse had a net worth of $4.5 million and was a known “once in a lifetime talent.” Despite being rich, she wasn’t happy. Before her death she talked about how she never wanted to be famous and simply wanted to do what she loved.
The opinion on money buying happiness is controversial, but for some celebrities, it was their downfall.
Contrary to this is Junior Cassandra Soucy says, “To keep it brief, money can buy happiness. And I’d be fulfilled if I had it. Honestly it can ruin lives and I would let it ruin mine.”
While currency has the power to bring happiness and a sense of fulfillment, it also brings on the potential risk to deliberately cause harm. It is however true that money can provide a sense of happiness. It brings comfort and fills that id that we all have inside of us, while leaving room for the unknown of ruination.
Everyone has had a moment where they look at something and think “I really want to get that.” But then we look at our wallet saying otherwise. It’s common to envy those who have the opportunity to freely splurge on whatever they want, but sometimes happiness underlies the little moments we have with family and friends.
Miss Prpich, psychology teacher at Waterford High School tells her thoughts, “I believe money doesn’t buy happiness because I think part of being happy is the ability to appreciate and have gratitude for the things you have. I’m grateful for my health, my family, my friends, and the good weather. I think there’s opportunities to look for the good in things rather than focus on material wealth. However much or however little. That being said, I believe basic needs should be met.”
It’s true that humans do need a certain amount of money to live a comfortable life, especially with the fluctuating economy, but to appreciate the little things in life can bring peace and solace to a person. It’s true that some people would weigh on being rich in love rather than being rich on materialistic objects.
At the end of the day, the question of if money buys happiness will always be controversial and multifaceted. There’s no one answer because different perspectives exist. Financial benefits can provide comfort, but they may not guarantee lasting happiness.
