ESSAY: “MONEY CANNOT BUY HAPPINESS.” DO YOU AGREE?
“Money makes the world go round.” This popular saying conveys just how important money is perceived to be. Indeed, money is incredibly important as without it, we cannot purchase daily necessities or indulge in holidays and other enjoyable activities. However, it has been said that money cannot buy happiness. I agree with this statement as happiness comprises of other things apart from material comfort.
To begin with, money does not guarantee a long, healthy life. It is true that with money, one can purchase adequate food, clean and safe living conditions and healthcare. However, there is a limit to what wealth can do to ensure one’s good health and physical well-being. For instance, Steve Jobs was the billionaire co-founder of Apple. However, he died tragically of cancer at the relatively young age of 56. Thus, from this example, we can see that money cannot ensure that one is able to live in the pink of health until he reaches a ripe old age.
Moreover, money can also strain relationships. For example, it is not uncommon to hear of siblings fighting one another over inheritance after their wealthy parents have passed away. After the death of Lo Ying-shek, a wealthy real estate developer from Hong Kong, his family was divided in a squabble over the distribution of his estate. Certainly, such disputes would not bring happiness but rather cause great agitation and heartache. Hence, we can see that money does not bring happiness in this case.
On the other hand, money can purchase material comforts and enjoyable pursuits. For instance, it is often cited that a child dies every three seconds due to impoverished circumstances. Undoubtedly, a relatively wealthy person that does not have to worry about where his next meal is coming from would be grateful to be spared such a burden. However, this does not necessarily mean that people in the first world are happier than their counterparts in the third world. This might be because the latter, while living in much less comfortable environments, lead simpler, uncomplicated lives and are much more easily satisfied. Conversely, living in a first world country can come with its own set of problems that cause unhappiness. Japan’s notoriously high suicide rates are a classic example. In Japan, the vast majority of the population does not have to worry about making ends meet. However, suicide is the leading cause of death among women aged 15 – 34. Thus, it is evident that money has not bought happiness for these unfortunate people.
In conclusion, money cannot guarantee happiness as it may strain relationships and does not ensure health and longevity. Hence, people should be mindful of this in their relentless pursuit of wealth.
MICHTANNN 