Let’s Answer the Question: Can Money Buy Happiness?

Throughout my life, I’ve heard people say “money can’t buy happiness.” It’s one of the oldest clichés in the books, but is it actually true? I’ve received money throughout my life, and I’ve been happy to receive it. Yet the pursuit of money is a constant one. Whether it brings sadness or joy, people will be chasing money for the rest of their lives.

There are other tropes about money that seem to solidify its relationship with sadness. I’ve heard “money is the root of all evil,” “the best things in life are free,” and “more money, more problems.” These phrases were enough to make me weary of money from a young age. When I started to earn my own money I approached it with hesitation. Not because I didn’t want it, but because felt like the harsh realities of life were hitting me in my face.

It seem corrupt to admit this, but I enjoy getting money. Does this make me a bad person? Maybe, but it also shows me money can’t be that bad. If I can find happiness in it, maybe others can.

Can You Buy Happiness?

Let’s start with the obvious: no, you cannot buy happiness. There’s no magic serum you can buy to elevate your mood and guarantee you’ll be happy. Of course, there are drugs (prescription or not) which can be purchased. These aren’t the same as buying happiness…