Comments on: Money and Happiness

By: Mariette

Mariette — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 00:35:54 +0000

Yes, trying to find hapiness through “shopping therapy” and other forms of aquisition is a bottomless bit – there’s no way can ever have enough, no matter how much money we have. After all, even people who have no money at all, provided they aren’t starving of course or living in the midst of a war zone, can be very happy. You need only to travel through the developing world to witness that first hand.

By: MITBeta

MITBeta — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 01:20:50 +0000

@plonkee: I hope you wrote down the book title so that you can borrow it from the local library… ;D

By: Robert

Robert — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 00:12:32 +0000

I think my favorite quote yet on this subject is: “Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you a yacht big enough to pull up right alongside it.” — David Lee Roth

By: plonkee

plonkee — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 10:15:34 +0000

Now I just need to acquire some excess money.

I was browsing in a bookshop the other day and flicked through a book on happiness, and its idea was that living a virtuous life makes you happy not so much not doing bad things as trying to do the things that you feel are right.

By: Minimum Wage

Minimum Wage — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 06:32:05 +0000

It could be worse – imagine being stuck on a hamster wheel of NON-acquisition.

By: Michael Rubin

Michael Rubin — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:01:00 +0000

Nor should you mind. Of course, the key is balance. It’s hard for most ordinary folks to purchase countless material goods, spend big bucks constantly visiting fine dining establishments, and also find a way to save. However, selectively choosing to spend comfortably on the things you truly enjoy makes for an pleasurable yet fiscally responsible life.

By: TheZenDollar

TheZenDollar — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:33:11 +0000

Great Suggestions! I like to live both frugal and minimalistic in terms of material possessions, however I don’t at all mind spending money on great food or drink with excellent company. I don’t mind at all going out and spending time with some good friends over a good conversation and a bottle of wine.

By: Michael Rubin

Michael Rubin — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:55:44 +0000

Great post!

I’d add to your list: Enjoy free stuff!

Think back to when you were younger and enjoying a late summer night before your parents finally dragged you inside – you were having the time of your life. And how much did such a memorable experience cost you? Nothing – you were 10 years old, you had no money.

Try revisiting your true passions and hobbies that you don’t seem to have time for anymore (it varies for each of us but could be reading, going to the library, hiking, biking, visiting the beach, talking with a friend, walking and so on). You won’t be spending any money during your activity (maybe a whole afternoon or entire day if you try) and you’ll be reconnecting with the things you most enjoy.