Happiness Can’t be Bought

In the February 2001 issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology published by the American
Psychological Association, money was listed last among psychological needs that bring happiness and fulfillment. A study of hundreds of college students from the United States and South Korea was conducted regarding their top psychological needs. Researchers asked the participants about their most satisfying experiences over different intervals of time, then surveyed them on the nature and emotions of those experiences. The study concluded that the top four psychological needs were independence, competence, relatedness, and self-esteem. The bottom two needs were popularity/influence and money/luxury.
Past studies have shown that although Americans are getting wealthier in recent decades, their emotional well-being has not improved and that the wealthy are generally not happier that those that have less. An October 1997 study concluded that people need emotional fulfillment from sources other than money.
I find these studies very interesting. Money did not rank high or medium on the scale of fulfilling psychological needs, but rather was at the bottom. Yet when people are asked what their greatest wish is, many say money or riches. Many people believe that if they had more wealth, they would be happier.
In the Bible, Solomon was appointed ruler over the entire land with countless numbers of people. God said to him in a dream, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon had his chance to ask God for anything he desired. He could ask anything such as riches, fame, and honor. However, Solomon felt humbled and unworthy to carry out such enormous responsibilities of being king. Instead of wealth, Solomon said, “Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (I Kings 3: 5-9 [NIV]).
Solomon wanted above all else, wisdom from God. He acknowledged the citizens as God’s people, and not his own. God blessed Solomon in being the wisest man that ever lived and also gave him the things he did not ask for – riches and honor. Solomon desired to be a good king who would guide the nation into the right direction by ruling with honesty and justice. These desires came true and they brought Solomon the greatest happiness and fulfillment. He was favored by God and by all the people.
It is evident in history and in current studies, money can not buy happiness. When we have the assurance that God is our constant companion and friend, leading us in the right direction, I believe we will find happiness and fulfillment in life.
Ly Lan Nguyen