"It's the old American Dream: life, liberty, and the purchase of happiness." I am sure that we have all questioned whether or not more money will make our life better, and I am sure that majority have answered yes. But have you asked yourself will more money make you happier? It seems to be the age old question. Money is seen as this goal that can solve any and all problems, and it seems the easiest answer to the previous question would be yes, but it goes beyond that. There are several people, including myself, who are certain that money would make them happy, but then there are those who feel the complete opposite. While money has the ability to purchase most things, it cannot buy the one thing that we all desire, a satisfying life or in other words, happiness. While it may be true that money cannot buy happiness, there is a strong connection between wealth and well-being. Well-being can be defined as happiness but there is more than just that. Health, financial security, happiness and comfort are all key factors when it comes to well-being. When you have wealth there is a direct link to all of these aspects.
It is known that those who are rich in other countries are happier than those in poor countries. There is written and statistical proof that money makes the difference. Money provides the everyday necessities. When you look at the people who have nothing and compare them to the people who have it all, then that is when it can be realized that money and wealth effect well-being and happiness greatly. Although it is absolutely possible that someone who is less fortunate can be happier than a millionaire, it is the fact that the person who is less fortunate does not have a greater well-being. They do not have the financial security or health benefits that the millionaire may have. Those who are wealthy can afford to have longer lives. Those individuals can afford to go to the doctor and eat healthy, while there are thousands of people without any form of health insurance. It is known that if you are better off financially, then you have the ability to have a long life even with a sickness. For example, Magic Johnson is an ex-NBA player who has had HIV for more than 20 years, but you can’t even tell he is sick because he is wealthy enough to afford the necessary treatment. He does what is necessary to sustain his great well-being. This cannot be done by each person that has been stricken ill because of the wealth differences.The way society is set up; it seems as if only the wealthy survive.
If the gain of happiness is dependent on beating out the next person, then a sense of happiness will never be acquired if every person’s income continues to grow at the same rate. In Robert E. Lane’s article, “Does Money Buy Happiness?” he discusses a term known as the “hedonic treadmill” that refers to the constant increase of expectations while there is also an equal increase in achievements. This is basically saying how one may not reach their desired happiness because the need for more is continuous. Those who are not happy being rich and wealthy are those who measure themselves by the things they own rather than the accomplishments they have made. These individuals are truly not satisfied with themselves and this does factor into their well-being and happiness. This is not the case for every wealthy person though. There are those who make a difference with their wealth, and are completely content with what they have done with the life they have made for themselves.
