by Jeremy Patton

Created on: November 24, 2009

Money is one of our prime motivations in life because it provides wants and necessities. There's no doubt that a lack of money makes people miserable, but whether or not great wealth makes us happy is another matter.

I often quiz my friends about what they'd do if they won the lottery. I receive the typical answers, I'd quit my job and buy a new home and vehicle. I'd give money to my parents so they never have to work again. I'd buy a souped-up computer, personal servant and a private island and play video games all day.

When my buddies return the question, I express some of the same desires, but I also mention that I'd hide money away in bank accounts and live off the interest. I want financial independence.

Great wealth is a goal that we all dream of but few ever attain. It would give us control of our lives, making us free to spend our time however we please. We would no longer have a care in the world.

Or so some believe.

I'm not sure that I'd wish great riches upon one friend I grew up with. He is an alcoholic who floats from one job to the next and never has any money. If he miraculously struck oil tomorrow, he would do many good deeds but he would also begin a downward spiral to destruction. He would drink himself death.

Alcohol and drugs have never appealed to me. However, many of my goals are motivated by money. How would my goals change if the need to support myself vanished? What endeavor would I strive for? Would I be writing this article without the prospect of making a few bucks?

The need to earn a living keeps most people going. Everyone can give examples of old people who withered away shortly after retirement. On the other hand, I know old folks who still work in their later years and are in excellent shape and seem to be very happy.

In early history, humans spent most of their time worrying about necessities. We had to hunt, grow crops, make clothes and find shelter and we were constantly threatened by weather conditions, disease and predators. There was an overload of challenges to appease our survival instincts.

With science and technology came stability and comfort. In modern societies, the urgency to produce all our necessities has been replaced by the need to hunt, gather and grow MONEY. Although this relatively new system of production, trade and currency allows people to pursue diversion, most of us must still must work 40 hours a week to sustain ourselves. However, it's possible for many folks to become so wealthy that providing the necessities is no longer a concern. They enjoy comforts that the kings of the Middle Ages only dreamed of. As a result, many seem to suffer from a restless boredom.

So how do today's wealthy elite satisfy their survival instincts?

Some become obsessed with making more money and throw themselves into a myriad of investment projects. Others party, drink and drug themselves excessively. Still others manage to fill their lives with more positive outlets and appear to lead productive, happy existences.

The truth is that the question does money bring happiness cannot be answered with a yes or no. Our habits, impulses, education and goals all influence how wealth affects our lives.

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