One of the most often debated proverbs/statements. Originally coined back in 1750 by Rousseau, his original quote or some variation has lived on for over two-hundred years.
So, can money buy happiness? Yes! Damned straight!
I've had money, I've been without money. I can tell you first-hand, having is definitely better than not. I'm not talking about just enough money to eek out the necessities (although that's nice). I'm talking about discretionary income that can be spent in any way the person sees fit.
Some (lucky) people will never know the fear of standing in line at the grocery store and crossing your fingers after sliding your credit or debit card into the terminal slot. I've been there. Even though I don't have that worry any more, I still sometimes find myself holding my breath until the "approved" message comes through. I guess old habits die hard.
Here's a few personal things that eat up my discretionary funds but give me unlimited happiness:
- Being able to give a weekly offering at church. I don't support the mega-church philosophy. As the granddaughter of a Methodist minister from the south, I understand the importance of a community-based place of worship and know that my church is in for the right reasons rather than for money.
- Being able to donate money to worthy causes throughout the year rather than just at Christmas. I've never understood why it's so important to be a generous person only during the holidays. If anything, it's easier on the pocketbook to donate at time when you're not buying presents for friends and family.
- Being able to give my sons and their families money when they need it, rather than loan it to them. I've never understood the sense of a loan when they'll get whatever is left when I'm gone anyway.
- Being able to take all five of my grandchildren on grand adventures.
And then, of course, there are the things that give me quiet joy:
- Being able to purchase or download any book I want, when I want it.
- Being able to finance the monetary side of my writing (e.g., promo, website, travel, computer upgrades).
- Being able to get that frothy, foo-foo coffee, if I'm so inclined (although I prefer a plain, light roast with double cream).
- Being able to go out to eat with a friend and pick up the tab. Not because I want to be a big-shot, but because I enjoy their company and would never consider asking for payback. I simply don't understand the concept of "you got this one, I'll pay next time". However, I also would never knowingly make the other person uncomfortable.
- Being able to attend concerts, even when the tickets are more than my monthly condo association payment.
The comparison to "buying happiness" and "you can't buy your health" always confuses me too. Why can't you have both? If I'm feeling good, I'm happy. So, if I can afford to eat better and more expensive foods, attend a gym and even partake in some personal training, and purchase herbal medications or vitamins that contribute to my overall wellness ... isn't that "buying good health happiness"?
So where did all this introspection come from? I was at a book-signing for local authors the other day and a "browser" asked rather sarcastically, "What do you authors do with all your money?" We laughed, and laughed. And laughed. See? Even her snarky comment bought me some happiness!
It did get me thinking though about what's important and how I do spend those few extra dollars. It made me realize that happiness, like health, can be bought. We just have to know the difference between buying our happiness and actually owning it!
~ ~ ~
Beach reads! Another wonderful, and inexpensive, form of happiness!
Until next month, stay happy!
Nancy
While I appreciate having enough, and remember all too well times of NOT having enough, I don't think you'll be happy unless you're predisposed to be so, money or not. It's one of those subjects without a yes or no answer, isn't it? I enjoyed your post, Nancy!
ReplyDeleteHI Nancy, yes, been in all the stages of money. Some too long! Now I try to enjoy the luxury of going to the store and buying on impulse. Still wonder how long will it last? I feel blessed in my life to take trips, buy gifts and just not worry about that bill coming in. There's probably a fb group for this. Maybe it's the Gems.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of my working life, I was making a nice income. I could fun my granddaughter's riding lessons and mine, I could afford the gym (not the Silver Sneakers version), I had a weekly pooper scooper, a monthly massage, and a housekeeper for four hours every two weeks. So now, after slipping into retirement, I have gotten rid of a few of those things. BUT I've kept the necessities: the housekeeper AND my riding lessons!
ReplyDeletetypo: FUND not fun
DeleteI think having money means fewer worries but I'm not sure it buys happiness. Lovely post!
DeleteYes, I've been at the end of the spectrum where you're tired of eating Ramen Noodles but can't afford anything else. Can't say I've ever been on the 'buying whatever you like" end either, but for a while, after the kids had moved out and hub and I were still working full time, we had a few extra dollars to spend. Now that I'm retired, we need to be a bit more frugal to stretch that dollar. But since my job was affecting my health, I'm okay with that. I've found living minimalistically can be very freeing!
ReplyDeleteI have stood in the line praying my card would be approved. I know that fear, so I completely agree with you that money can buy happiness, and at the very least, relief from worries. I think that's why so many people want to be comfortable. Not so they can buy a bunch of stuff, but just so they can not be afraid. When I didn't have money, I thought of all the stuff I would buy if I had it. Now that I have it, I save it as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteLove this post, Nancy! But I have to add, in my single years I dated a few millionaires. They were the cheapest dates. And not happy people. Clearly they hadn't learned to enjoy having money. I think the art of generosity is one of life's joys. And not just monetary. How about being generous with our time, not hoarding it?
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post, Nancy. I really liked the list of things that give you great happiness. I've been at both ends of the prosperity spectrum, and I've worked hard all my life to make sure I stay on the better end of it. Of course, money can never buy happiness. What it buys is peace of mind that you can take care of yourself and your family. It's a lot easier to deal with problems when you know you have the means to pay for the necessities and the emergencies of life.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the comments and shares everyone. Glad to know I'm not alone in the trials and joys of life.
ReplyDelete