Happiness Can’t Be Bought

In a study conducted by the University of Southern California, economist Richard Esterlin examined data
from 1,500 people who were surveyed over a period of 28 years. The data concluded that while married persons are generally happier than unmarried ones, and healthy persons are happier than unhealthy people, increases of wealth and material possessions only created a temporary happiness.
The presumed state of happiness quickly fades away. The results are known as “hedonic adaptation” and “social comparison.” In other words, the excitement of increased wealth or goods soon diminishes, and in the end, someone else has more anyway. As the old saying goes, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” When we compare and are envious of others, someone else always seems to have more possessions than we do.
The Bible speaks about this very problem of thinking that money and possessions would increase happiness. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (I Timothy 6:6-10).
The USC Study revealed that spending more time with friends, family, and at home while minimizing the pursuit of wealth and possessions truly increased the overall happiness of the person. Money of itself can never buy happiness. The greatest achievement to happiness is to be content with what we have and to live a godly life. We would avoid much heartache and unhappiness by following this road.
Ly Lan Nguyen