Can Money Buy Happiness?

Had 'Happiness' been available in some retail stores, it could be easily bought from there. But, not just in retail stores, 'Happiness' is not available in any stores, marts and malls or even in online stores.


But, happiness is some how or the other linked with money. I may agree if you say beggars are happy being around with what so ever they have. But, I will certainly disagree if the response is related with regard to money. Fine, money can't buy satisfaction or happiness, but money can't replace someone's pain or sadness if seen from that vision.

To a large extent, money is directly related to this satisfaction or happiness. Money acts as a driving factor in the end. Watch that child, who is crying - fine, money can't make the child happy, or prevent him from crying. But, buy some toy from that money, he will get satisfied or at least stop crying.

The case is not just from child, check it in teenagers scene as well, or some adult. The cause of dissatisfaction may somewhere be related to money. Why was he dissatisfied - because of his work place environment. Now, had he been with enough money, maybe he could start up his own company, or would rather build some huge house and earn through rent instead of working for others.

Money is not the direct exchange factor for happiness, but acts as agent in between happiness from the same level as well. Maybe, money can't satisfy the thirst, but is liable to purchase water so that you could drink and satisfy the thirst that you are having.

Now, that depends on how we use the money. Greed can lead to dissatisfaction to a larger extent. Jealousy creates next line and then. However, if the same amount of money is used to seek satisfaction, that becomes possible as well. That ten rupees note may give you satisfaction, when you keep in the statue of temple - but hand over the same amount to someone begging right outside the gate of the temple, and observe his face, observe the charm - the happiness will be felt.

Money is simply a means - be it to get into drugs, satisfy hunger or seek happiness.

Now, comparing Bill Gates life, checking if he is really happy through money can pop into the mind. Gates might or might not be happy through his bank balance, but watch him doing social work through Gates foundation, that has to make him happy. Holding the amount in your pocket, saving it at this wonderful interest rate may not make you happy, but if you use it to find happiness within you, you certainly will be happy through that same money! Stay Happy! Stay Blessed! You just got one life!


Published in The Himalayan Times on 1st October 2018