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Does money buy happiness? Few of us would agree. But would a little more money make us a little happier? Many of us smirk and nod. There is, we believe, some connection between fiscal fitness and emotional fulfillment. Most of us being surveyed by Gallup Polls say, yes, we would like to be rich. Three in four entering American collegians nearly double the 1970 proportion now consider it "very important" or "essential" that they become "very well off financially." Money matters. Think of it as today's American dream: life, liberty, and the purchase of happiness. Wouldn't anyone be happier with the indulgences promised by the magazine sweepstakes: a 40 foot yacht, deluxe motor home, private housekeeper? Anyone who has seen Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous knows as much. "Whoever said money can't buy happiness isn't spending it right," proclaimed a Lexus ad. Well, are rich people happier? Researchers have found that in poor countries, such as Bangladesh, being relatively well off does make for greater well-being. We need food, rest, shelter, and social contact. But the underreported story in our materialistic age in countries where nearly everyone can afford life's necessities, increasing affluence matters surprisingly little. The correlation between income and happiness is "surprisingly weak," observed University of Michigan researcher Ronald Inglehart in one 16 nation study of 170,000 people. Once comfortable, more money provides diminishing returns. The second piece of pie, or the second $100,000, never tastes as good as the first. Even lottery winners, those whose income is much higher than 10 years ago, and the very rich people the Forbes 100 wealthiest Americans surveyed by University of Illinois psychologist Ed Diener are only slightly happier than the average American. Making it big brings temporary joy. But in the long run wealth is like health: Its utter absence can breed misery, but having doesn't guarantee happiness.
Approximate Word count = 1219
Approximate Pages = 4.9
(250 words per page double spaced)
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