NYTimes article

[larkspurlazuli]

But Will It Make You Happy?
How you spend has a greater effect on your happiness than how much you spend, researchers say.

Comments

[girlspell]

I'm kind of cynical to be begin with, so I read this with a jaundice eye. Most people in the nickle and dime world (waitresses, service industry, the working poor) just barely make it through the day. They can't afford cars, ride the bus to to malls miles and worlds away from were they live. They still give to charity because they can relate to them.

Wealthy people are happy. You're happy when they know when their next meal is coming. They have health insurance. They live longer and happier lives.

[larkspurlazuli]

Thanks for responding, you are completely right- when people are wealthier in that they are always well fed and have better health care, they do lead longer and healthier lives. That's been indicated in the literature; it may not have been clear in this article, though. However, I think the point being made is that, once you pass that threshold of having adequate food, housing and healthcare, spending more (particularly on material goods- very nice car, very nice house) does not equal greater well being, however, spending money on experiences, or cultivating relationships, tends to increase happiness more. I think it's more the spending of money on luxury and status, as well as the boundless acquisition of any kind of material good that's being examined here.

[misticlady]

Interesting article, and very true for those of us who have enough to meet our basic needs. I know many people who shun outward signs of wealth but travel the world, minister to the masses, etc who actually love their lives more than my friends with money, status, and all the stuff they could ever want. I also have friends who have money, but you would never know it from the way they live. They choose to live a middle class life style because it makes them happy and gives them more time to focus on the the things that they enjoy.

Thanks for sharing. :)

[larkspurlazuli]

Oh really, I'm glad your experience has borne this out. It is quite refreshing, isn't it?