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I think happiness is actually a pretty complicated idea and people mean many different things by it. Is happiness pleasure? Fulfillment? Purpose? Is it a transi
by lordleft 2y ago
I think happiness is actually a pretty complicated idea and people mean many different things by it. Is happiness pleasure? Fulfillment? Purpose? Is it a transitory psychological state or a deeper orientation? Or both? If we say money makes us happy, are we saying that money removes problems? That it enables positive experiences or material things that contribute to happiness? All of the above, or some combination of it?
Examining this topic with even two minutes of sustained attention and rigor revels the paucity of our discourse. Money contributes to happiness, but saying that money buys happiness is like saying not getting shot contributes to health. True, but there is so much more to the story.
- riku_iki 2y ago> If we say money makes us happy, are we saying that money removes problems? yes, money removes problems, and allows to build foundation (do not need to do hard labor 12h/d for food and shelter, have access to healthcare, healthy food and opportunities), and on top of that foundation one can pursue happiness in different directions (family, science, hobbies, sport, art, activism, etc)
- nurbl 2y agoI think a contributing factor is our obsession with measurement. Happiness is hard to prove, and having money is hard to fake. So money can become a proxy for happiness even though it may only be an enabler.
- m463 2y agoI kind of wonder if it is kind of like the pleasure people get in gaming where there are a continuous stream achievements and upgrades. People take time to adapt to different milestones in their lives. I can walk anywhere; I can drive anywhere; I have enough money to afford my own place; I can take time off; I am debt free; I own property; I can employ others; I don't have to work; etc...