Can Money Really Buy You Happiness Or Does It Have The Opposite Effect?

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We have all probably thought about this question or heard it, can money buy you happiness? People seem to pick one side or the other unequivocally, and I wanted to know what you guys think.

I found this interesting how 'One survey of 1,000 Americans, conducted in 2010, concluded that money does make us happier but only up to a certain point'. It seems like money may have a substantial effect but up to a certain point.

• Source of Survey: http://www.pnas.org/content/107/38/16489.abstract

One side of the argument is if you have a lot of money and have a substantial amount of wealth then you can spend less time working and more time doing the things you love such as spending time with friends and family. Yes, your job may be on going, but you may reach a phase where you may never need to work.

If you have a lack of money, then you spend time going through severe hardships and dwell in constant worry about your financial situation regarding food shelter education and so on. With money there comes security and the ability to afford better health care, nicer clothing, hygiene products and other things that can make you feel better about yourself, give you more time to travel and experience those things that give you happiness.

Biologically

I think regarding how our bodies work money cannot buy happiness. The emotion is largely the result of hormones (particularly dopamine and serotonin) surging in your brain.

This 'happiness' can vary in people as we all have chemical imbalances which mean some people may find it easier to be happy and jubilant rather than someone else, even if circumstances would seemingly warrant that reaction.

I think that no amount of money could ensure one is happy, although like some may mention, you could certainly buy things that increase the likelihood of feeling comfortable. Many things that cause those hormones to surge can be purchased, though some things may have a stronger effect and are free such as an attraction or relationship with someone and I think there is a difference between true unconditional happiness which is purer and truer rather than fulfilling desires.

Stimulants for Happiness

What can we gain happiness from? From some, it may be drugs, clothes, technology, cars, houses, jewelry. But even excluding physical objects money can still provide you with happiness as I don't believe relieving desires is true happiness. If anything it is septic and it seems to carry on as you get addicted to it.

I believe that people operate on a baseline, rather than beginning from a state of neutrality every day. Sure, there are things they want, and attaining those things will generate a degree of satisfaction, depending on what those things mean to them. Many of us can feel elated some mornings and other times just gloomy.

I don't think this baseline is affected or skewed much by things past necessity. This is why studies almost unanimously show that first world countries are the happiest, but that this happiness diminishes with wealth. It warms my heart when I witness those who are going through mayhem, but they are somehow able to say 'I am happy with life.' Even if they are living by the skin of their teeth, just that is enough for them to attain happiness as they go past milestones such as supporting their children or sending them to education.

I think many people may have come here on steemit for the monetary gain. I believe that it is a unique selling factor, but I don't feel that this is a get rich scheme which will buy you eternal happiness.

It still requires work and dedication but not the type of a regular menial job. What steem allows is for your dreams to become a reality and write about what you love which I think is the primary source of happiness and the money is just a side effect as @stellabelle would say.

If one were looking for happiness in and of itself, then they likely aren't seeking momentary satisfaction. Otherwise, they'd find that particular thing and not happiness in general. Therefore, in the search for happiness, money is not the answer.

What Do You Think?