A simple Google search catalogues pages of links to articles about money and happiness and only a few contend that money brings happiness. Social scientists of all breeds have researched the hypothesis, "Money cannot buy happiness," and the theory and well know adage proves to be true. I think many of us know this on some level, but are desperate to belief that it is not so. For many of us happiness is elusive, and if only money could buy happiness, then finally fulfillment would be within our reach.

The research claims that money can bring about an increase in satisfaction in certain instances. We know that married couples with money may live more happily together if their relationship isn't wrought with the stress and worry of financial concerns. People who have enough money have a greater measure of happiness than those who are living in extreme poverty. Money can bring about a greater sense of well-being for those who are ill or disabled. I would argue; however, that in each of these cases, money does not create happiness but merely eliminates a level of suffering.

Even though many people vocalize a belief that money won't buy happiness, their actions sometimes seem contradictory. Are they trying to buy happiness, or are they merely searching for relief from suffering, when they invest in the latest fashions or cosmetic surgery to assuage insecurities about their appearance? Money for the right car may lead others to expect to attract the right girl thereby combating their loneliness. Have you ever splurged on entertainment in an effort to fill a sense of emptiness? Have you gone on a shopping spree because a meaningful love relationship came to an end and the new things made you feel, for a time, less sad? Have you ever spent money and time on video games to keep your mind from racing after a day at an unrewarding job or with a controlling boss? Much of what money can buy will only bring on a temporary euphoria that masks some specific flavor of suffering. It's like a heavy drug, though the more you buy, the more that you'll need next time in order to bring about the same level of joy however fleeting.

There is more to happiness than the absence of suffering. Happiness is a state of being that is characterized by joy and fulfillment that is sustainable overtime. The authors of Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic explain that, "In the human species, happiness comes from achieving intrinsic goals like giving and receiving love. Extrinsic goals like monetary wealth, fame, and appearance are surrogate goals, often pursued as people try to fill themselves up with outside-in" rewards.'" What I have learned from this book is that, while material things may bring about a temporary high, it is connection that brings about sustained feelings of joy and happiness A connection to nature; a connection to God, meaning in your life, or a spiritual path; or a connection to people and to community. It's a little corny, I know, to say, "It's what's on the inside that counts," but it really is paying more attention to and nurturing our inner lives that can help us achieve the happiness so many of us are longing for.

Learn more about this author, Laura Galovits.
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