Wow, what a loaded question. It’s a typical conversation starter amongst friends, but when really taken into deep thought, this is a fantastic question to digest. Here is my quick answer: Money buys you PLEASURE, not happiness. 

Let me explain.

Now I completely understand why people post on social media “Unpopular opinion: Money CAN buy happiness.”I mean, if you can afford to travel anywhere, buy from expensive stores, live in a luxurious space, then of course those things can give you a bit of joy.I don’t think anyone on this planet is going to say, “An expensive trip to Europe makes me sad.”

But a problem occurs when people think that this is the ultimate, peak form of happiness. It is seriously so heartbreaking to hear people say, “If I just got a million dollars, all of my problems would be solved and go away.”

Yeah, no they won’t.

Those trips, luxuries and expensive items are temporary pleasures. They don’t last. If money buys happiness, then wehy do we have millionaires and famous celebrities who are absolutely miserable?

These trips, luxuries and expensive items are temporary pleasures. They don’t last.If money buys happiness, then why do we have millionaires and famous celebrities who are absolutely miserable? I guess The Notorious BIG was right about “Mo Money, Mo Problems.” 

Let me put it to you this way. I have personally been to a third-world country where I have witnessed people living in shacks. Literal tin shacks.Dirt floors, one or two rooms, unclean water and food.

Yet despite all of this, these are some of the happiest, most joyful, content human beings that I have ever met..Now here is something to think about. There is no such thing as a person who is completely happy and completely content 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That is just the reality of the world.

Instagram life is not real life.  Every single human being goes through trials, hardships, and obstacles.NO MATTER HOW MUCH MONEY YOU HAVE.

Pleasure is temporary, happiness is long-lasting. Pleasures give you a high right in the moment, and then they fade away.

Happiness, in my opinion, is the way that you are at peace with yourself and the world around you. Your relationships with others, your daily routines, your mental and physical health are all key contributors to a happy, fulfilled life.

These things have absolutely nothing to do with money.  I have been really thinking about these kinds of concepts recently, and I have moments when I think that money will give me everything that I’ve ever wanted.

I know deep down, however, that that is completely false. One of the biggest lessons that I have learned is that being grateful for a new day, doing things that you love, taking care of yourself, helping others, and being a part of a community are huge contributors to a happy life.

How are you going to live a happy, fulfilled life?