“Money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has, the more one wants.” — Benjamin Franklin, author, polymath and printer (1706-1790)
It requires a high level of insensibility to argue against the opinion of Benjamin Franklin, one of history’s greatest minds, as such, who is better qualified than I to do it? I belive his thinking on the correlation between money and happiness is flawed, and the very definition of the word “happiness”, lends credence to my assertion:
Happiness—
- delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing: to be happy to see a person.
- characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy: a happy mood; a happy frame of mind.
- favored by fortune; fortunate or lucky: a happy, fruitful land.
There are miserable specimens of humanity among both the poor, and the wealthy, and who knows what Donald Trumps problem is—proof that dollars can not buy sense. Every demographic has its bad egg.
That said, I firmly believe that with money, my level of happiness could be exponentially expanded, and I would be willing to put my theory to the test if anyone would like to fund such an experiment.
“Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons.” — Woody Allen, director, actor and comedian (1935-
Money would buy my freedom from its pursuit through mindless labor. This freedom would result in the time, which I sorely lack, to spend as I see fit: with my children and friends, writing, travel, etc. How could that not increase my level of happiness?
“It’s a kind of spiritual snobbery that makes people think they can be happy without money.” — Albert Camus, philosopher (1913-1960)
Albert Camus may have a point, and I would not be too proud to have money. Money, after all, can purchase the best of everything, including chocolate cake, and cake alone can make me happy.
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The Daily Post, September 7, 2015, Daily Prompt: Doubters Alert~ What commonly accepted truth (or “truth”) do you think is wrong, or at least seriously doubt? Why?<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/doubters-alert/”>Doubters Alert</a><a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/doubters-alert/”>Doubters Alert</a>
Money can make you happy or it can destroy you. As in everything else in life, it depends upon what you do with it! As in everything else in life, it depends upon what you do with it!
I would buy cake, and not work so much.
I agree. Money would make my life a lot happier.