3 ms·

I think the nugget here is that this is true of people with significant resources already. Previously, the common adage was that there was a ceiling. That beyo

by bena 2y ago

I think the nugget here is that this is true of people with significant resources already. Previously, the common adage was that there was a ceiling. That beyond $75,000 (at the time), there was no more happiness to be gained by more money. Now it seems that the same study could be interpreted in multiple ways. Here are links to other articles about the study, the conclusions, and the change. https://behavioralpolicy.princeton.edu/news/DK_wellbeing0323 https://behavioralpolicy.princeton.edu/news/DK_wellbeing0323 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/money-happiness-study-daniel-kahneman-500000-versus-75000/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/money-happiness-study-daniel-ka... It seems the real finding is that money can only solve unhappiness caused by things that cost money (which is a lot to be fair), however, if the source of your unhappiness is something else, money doesn't work to make you happy.

kenjackson 2y ago
But once your rich, what really causes unhappiness due to money. Is money really the root cause of your lack of unhappiness because you can't buy an NFL team? I think the reason why the common adage resonates is because most people feel that if the NFL team is what you think is causing your unhappiness -- there's actually something much deeper going on.
- bena 2y ago
  It's not that deep. I want thing. What's preventing me from getting thing? Usually it's money. Now I have thing and that makes me happy. However happiness fades. If it didn't, we would never desire to seek out repeated desirable experiences. We wouldn't seek out novelty. And there's nothing wrong with happiness fading. It's a good thing that it does fade. You don't have to be "unhappy" to become happy. Sometimes I'm just bored. Content, for sure, but bored. Money is the vehicle by which we attain the goods and experiences we want. Even in personal relationships, money does help. The vast majority of divorces cite money as a major reason. Mostly because lack of money means lower standard of living and that can cause stress, etc. I mean, you have to go to the extreme of owning an NFL team to find something where you can be sure the vast majority of people can't attain. Because you know that for most things, that could make someone happier. If you want a sweet car, buying a sweet car will make you happier. If you want a huge mansion, you need mansion money. You want a suite at the Super Bowl, money solves that. Etc. And yes, if you don't get those things, it's not like it'll make the person despondent, but like the meme says "Life is good, but it can be better."
  - kenjackson 2y ago
    My son talked to me about something he wanted and it reminded me of this thread - got me thinking “that person probably is right!”

by bena 2y ago

kenjackson 2y ago

But once your rich, what really causes unhappiness due to money. Is money really the root cause of your lack of unhappiness because you can't buy an NFL team? I think the reason why the common adage resonates is because most people feel that if the NFL team is what you think is causing your unhappiness -- there's actually something much deeper going on.

bena 2y ago
It's not that deep. I want thing. What's preventing me from getting thing? Usually it's money. Now I have thing and that makes me happy. However happiness fades. If it didn't, we would never desire to seek out repeated desirable experiences. We wouldn't seek out novelty. And there's nothing wrong with happiness fading. It's a good thing that it does fade. You don't have to be "unhappy" to become happy. Sometimes I'm just bored. Content, for sure, but bored. Money is the vehicle by which we attain the goods and experiences we want. Even in personal relationships, money does help. The vast majority of divorces cite money as a major reason. Mostly because lack of money means lower standard of living and that can cause stress, etc. I mean, you have to go to the extreme of owning an NFL team to find something where you can be sure the vast majority of people can't attain. Because you know that for most things, that could make someone happier. If you want a sweet car, buying a sweet car will make you happier. If you want a huge mansion, you need mansion money. You want a suite at the Super Bowl, money solves that. Etc. And yes, if you don't get those things, it's not like it'll make the person despondent, but like the meme says "Life is good, but it can be better."
- kenjackson 2y ago
  My son talked to me about something he wanted and it reminded me of this thread - got me thinking “that person probably is right!”