Does Money....

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 4:58 pm

Does money buy happiness?

I'm in a heated debate with my Mother regarding this subject. She says yes, I say no.

I say, "Money will buy a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail."

What's your opinion?

ubetta · Post by **ubetta** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:09 pm

Money can buy an easier time in life, that doesn't necessarily mean 'happiness'.

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:11 pm

money is necessary for happiness...if not for money i would not have a roof over my head or any little luxuries like electricity. it is all well and good to debate the philosophy of "does money buy happiness"...when your survival comforts are not in jeopardy. a lack of money sure buys unhappiness.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:13 pm

Money will not buy happiness any more than a garden will make you full. However, you need money to prevent those things that will take your energy away from persuing happiness. If you're spending your time stressing about where the next meal is coming from, avoiding the bill collectors, watching for the car repo man, etc. how can you enjoy the truly good things of life, such as the beautiful blooms of the rose bush you're hiding behind to avoid the neighbor you borrowed $20 from last week?

See my point?

ubetta · Post by **ubetta** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:14 pm

Yes, but. You can have a roof over your head and electricity and still be miserable.

Then again, you can not have a roof and no electricity and be having the time of your life.

)

ubetta · Post by **ubetta** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:14 pm

Accountable wrote: Money will not buy happiness any more than a garden will make you full. However, you need money to prevent those things that will take your energy away from persuing happiness. If you're spending your time stressing about where the next meal is coming from, avoiding the bill collectors, watching for the car repo man, etc. how can you enjoy the truly good things of life, such as the beautiful blooms of the rose bush you're hiding behind to avoid the neighbor you borrowed $20 from last week?

See my point?

Yep. And I agree.

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:15 pm

No, money does not buy happiness. You need a certain amount of money to survive, but the fringe benefits of having extra income cannot buy you a good life, a loving family, and everything else that has meaning to your soul.

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:18 pm

Being unhappy is much more bearable with money than without.

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:20 pm

lady cop wrote: money is necessary for happiness...if not for money i would not have a roof over my head or any little luxuries like electricity. it is all well and good to debate the philosophy of "does money buy happiness"...when your survival comforts are not in jeopardy.

Yes, money can buy luxuries. A roof over my head to me is a necessity. The debate between my mother and me is that she believes IF a person has money, they don't need anything else in their life....life other people. I argue to her that everybody needs somebody in their life to bring happiness to their life. To have lots of money, to spend it only on yourself....where is the happiness in that?

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:21 pm

chonsigirl wrote: No, money does not buy happiness. You need a certain amount of money to survive, but the fringe benefits of having extra income cannot buy you a good life, a loving family, and everything else that has meaning to your soul.

Very good points!

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:22 pm

i don't equate or compare money with love, i am blessed with much love. but if i were homeless/penniless i could not concentrate on what and who i love, i would have to worry about pure survival, which not anyone here on a computer is dealing with. my only point is you must have some money to survive in this culture. ergo, my paycheck makes me 'happy'. and a cop just barely gets by.

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:23 pm

Lon wrote: Being unhappy is much more bearable with money than without.

Wouldn't it be better to be poor and to learn to live a richer life?

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:25 pm

CountryDweller wrote: Yes, money can buy luxuries. A roof over my head to me is a necessity. The debate between my mother and me is that she believes IF a person has money, they don't need anything else in their life....life other people. I argue to her that everybody needs somebody in their life to bring happiness to their life. To have lots of money, to spend it only on yourself....where is the happiness in that?just saw your post...that's almost a different question. do we need love/people?

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:27 pm

Money and happiness are like pork chops and ballpeen hammers. Both useful but not much to do with each other.

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:27 pm

CountryDweller wrote: Wouldn't it be better to be poor and to learn to live a richer life?
Good Point-the happiest years of my life were when I was very poor, a single mother raising 4 children. We lived in a barrio, and barely had food day to day. We never starved, but everyone was in the same position as us. It was ten happy years, being loved by your neighbors, and learning how to survive. The children and I to this day still talk about it, and wish we were still there-cramped into a small apartment, with laughter and love all around us. We are happy now with more money, but those were special times.

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:29 pm

lady cop wrote: i don't equate or compare money with love, i am blessed with much love. but if i were homeless/penniless i could not concentrate on what and who i love, i would have to worry about pure survival, which not anyone here on a computer is dealing with. my only point is you must have some money to survive in this culture. ergo, my paycheck makes me 'happy'. and a cop just barely gets by.

Yes, you must have some money to survive, but I'm talking LOTS of money, therefore mom feels IF a person has LOTS what else would one need for happiness?

Have many friends that are State Troopers. Trying to work the hours they do, on the pay they receive, is rediculous.

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:31 pm

lady cop wrote: just saw your post...that's almost a different question. do we need love/people?

I'm debating this with the woman that gave birth to me...always changing the rules on me. Any input in either direction is more than welcome!

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:34 pm

Accountable wrote: Money and happiness are like pork chops and ballpeen hammers. Both useful but not much to do with each other.

Exactly....Like money and happiness. You can't buy LOVE with money only pork and hammers.

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:34 pm

there's no arguing with your mom! LOL...it sounds like her priorities are at a different place in life than yours are. you may have to ask why she has this mindset, and what is happening in her life to understand why she feels this way.

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:43 pm

chonsigirl wrote: Good Point-the happiest years of my life were when I was very poor, a single mother raising 4 children. but those were special times.

Special times indeed. We too, once had hard times. It built integrity. Learned survival skills. Taught me to have a kind heart for others.

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:52 pm

lady cop wrote: there's no arguing with your mom! LOL...it sounds like her priorities are at a different place in life than yours are. you may have to ask why she has this mindset, and what is happening in her life to understand why she feels this way.

Because she HAS money and flaunts it. And she's not a happy person at all, even though she tells you she is.

Since dad passed away 5 years ago, she's becoming a bitter old lady (which I tell her to her face) and am trying to instill compassion for others. Her attitude is....I can hire someone to do it for me. I want her to do for herself. When dad was alive she always did her own work. Now, we call her the Queen, with her barking orders all the time, for others to do it. That attitude doesn't float with me.

She gets angry when she sees what I love doing for others and tells me to "quit" bothering with them because I have her, and can do for her. She's a very healthy woman and it just drives me nuts to see her sit around wasting a good day doing nothing.

How do you motivate a woman like her?

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 6:21 pm

Far Rider wrote: Can money buy happiness? temporarily I'd say yes, but this case proves that true happiness comes from having a purpose.

:) Very, very wise, Far Rider!!!! Thank you for sharing this story! Love it!

I have told my mother that everyone needs to find their purpose in life and run with it. But arguing this point with her is like.....:-5

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 6:37 pm

Far Rider wrote: Hey, let me ask you why you like to argue so much? why dont you tell her shes right, and see what she says, its my experince with folks like your mom that, they may just liek to argue for the sake of arguing... its fruitless to continue in it.

Because I'm my mother's daughter? Strong willed and opinionated just like her? When we die, we can't take it with us....put it to good use and let people remember you for that.

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 6:45 pm

If I were to hit the lottery tomorrow, I'd be rich and a lot of my worries would be over. I'd be happier. If I were to hit the lottery tomorrow and Bullet up and left me, I'd never be happy again.

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 6:50 pm

BabyRider wrote: If I were to hit the lottery tomorrow, I'd be rich and a lot of my worries would be over. I'd be happier. If I were to hit the lottery tomorrow and Bullet up and left me, I'd never be happy again.

I agree with that.....all the money in the world cannot buy happiness when you are left all alone!

cars · Post by **cars** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 6:52 pm

The only thing MONEY "can't" buy, is POVERTY!!!! Money is not all that important, the "People" who have it are!!! To truly be happy, a balanced mix of Money & people to love are an important ingredient. (As well as good health) For as you have said, Money without that someone special to spend it on is an empty feeling. When I was still single I got a fantastic outrageous raise at work. But when I got home, there was not that special someone to share my pride with & or celebrate it with. Friends are not the same thing in this instance. Sure they'll help you party it away, but it's just not the same. As other wise people here have already said, unhappiness can & will be eased by not having to worry about money to.

daffodil52 · Post by **daffodil52** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 2:27 pm

money the root of all evil ....... I it is

and don't er forget it ok.....A man with money as got more friend .... the man with out has none

lovely money speaks all kind off languages ,,,,,,

u may even live longer without it ..... its a gamble

in fact were would we all be if it was'nt for money....

that the question////// no answers........ penny for the guy please lol daffy...........

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 3:14 pm

daffodil52 wrote: money the root of all evil ....... I it is

and don't er forget it ok.....A man with money as got more friend .... the man with out has none

Do you honestly believe this? Being rich or poor should have nothing to do with friendship. I think friends accept you for who you are, not how much cash is in your wallet.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 3:27 pm

Just read the biographies of some of the wealthiest people in history; kings, millionaires, movie stars, lottery winners. Were they all that happy and content? Maybe they had brief moments of happiness, but those moments, I'm sure, had a lot less to do with the money than the person they were with at the time. Alot of money requires alot of responsibilty.

To me, money does not buy happiness. It just pays the bills. Wait a moment.........I am happy when the bills are paid!:D

daffodil52 · Post by **daffodil52** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 3:36 pm

CountryDweller wrote: Do you honestly believe this? Being rich or poor should have nothing to do with friendship. I think friends accept you for who you are, not how much cash is in your wallet. I do

the problem is where are they ..... when all er money gone

true friend take nothing...... new friend take it all.....

its a never ending ..... story.... if u don't give your mingy

its all about money ,can not buy love or health.....

but it can buy friends......

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 3:42 pm

along-for-the-ride wrote: Just read the biographies of some of the wealthiest people in history; kings, millionaires, movie stars, lottery winners. Were they all that happy and content? Maybe they had brief moments of happiness, but those moments, I'm sure, had a lot less to do with the money than the person they were with at the time. Alot of money requires alot of responsibilty.

To me, money does not buy happiness. It just pays the bills. Wait a moment.........I am happy when the bills are paid!:D

Good points made.

Money does require alot of responsibility but don't you think that the person whos money it is should take that responsibility, not push it off on someone else to build their nest egg?

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 3:45 pm

daffodil52 wrote: I do

the problem is where are they ..... when all er money gone

true friend take nothing...... new friend take it all.....

its a never ending ..... story.... if u don't give your mingy

its all about money ,can not buy love or health.....

but it can buy friends......

Why would you choose to surround yourself with friends that take it all?

Why buy friendship? What kind of friend would have to be bought?

Maybe a new tread on "what does friendship mean" should be started????

daffodil52 · Post by **daffodil52** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 3:59 pm

CountryDweller wrote: Why would you choose to surround yourself with friends that take it all?

Why buy friendship? What kind of friend would have to be bought?

Maybe a new tread on "what does friendship mean" should be started???? u don't

once they know u have money they surround u... if your softer

enough too let them....Ive seen it happen loads off times

with money comes all kinds ..... let say trouble ....[.money}

is u can not take it with u to the grave so u spend it.....

jacko one off them ........ its a mad world today....

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 4:03 pm

Of course not, Your fondest memories ? Do they involve dollars ? Probably not. Money doesnt get me excited at all, people do, experiences do, love does, living does. Certainly not money !

daffodil52 · Post by **daffodil52** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 4:04 pm

along-for-the-ride wrote: Just read the biographies of some of the wealthiest people in history; kings, millionaires, movie stars, lottery winners. Were they all that happy and content? Maybe they had brief moments of happiness, but those moments, I'm sure, had a lot less to do with the money than the person they were with at the time. Alot of money requires alot of responsibilty.

To me, money does not buy happiness. It just pays the bills. Wait a moment.........I am happy when the bills are paid!:D
U are the wise one I agree daffy52

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 4:04 pm

daffodil52 wrote: u don't

once they know u have money they surround u... if your softer

enough too let them....Ive seen it happen loads off times

with money comes all kinds ..... let say trouble ....[.money}

is u can not take it with u to the grave so u spend it.....

jacko one off them ........ its a mad world today....

True, can't take it to the grave with you. Enjoy it while you're alive but not with moochy friends that only what your friendship for your money.

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 4:06 pm

Nomad wrote: Of course not, Your fondest memories ? Do they involve dollars ? Probably not. Money doesnt get me excited at all, people do, experiences do, love does, living does. Certainly not money !

Bingo! Life is where the excitement is!

daffodil52 · Post by **daffodil52** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 4:11 pm

Nomad wrote: Of course not, Your fondest memories ? Do they involve dollars ? Probably not. Money doesnt get me excited at all, people do, experiences do, love does, living does. Certainly not money !
R but if u had no money.....

the only way u could enjoy all the thing u write about....

is with money..... we can not live without it.... can we.

money makes memories...... the only way to see life with out money,,,, is to go and live in the wild off the jungle

like a animal.....loldaffy 52

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 4:19 pm

Ive been broke, Ive been homeless I know what it means to be hungry. Still I can say that money can buy you security or give you an occasional thrill however life in its essence is comprised of the sweetest things sans money. Take a real good look around you, eyes wide open and unbiased. If your true intent is happiness you wont be seeking dollars you will seek love.

daffodil52 · Post by **daffodil52** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 4:23 pm

CountryDweller wrote: Bingo! Life is where the excitement is! even to play bingo u need money

if u win were i live they get a taxi to take u home with your

wining,,, just in case your mug on the way out with er wining ok loldaffy52

daffodil52 · Post by **daffodil52** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 4:32 pm

Nomad wrote: Ive been broke, Ive been homeless I know what it means to be hungry. Still I can say that money can buy you security or give you an occasional thrill however life in its essence is comprised of the sweetest things sans money. Take a real good look around you, eyes wide open and unbiased. If your true intent is happiness you wont be seeking dollars you will seek love. lol love does'nt

put food on the table.. also its a modern world today.

And i do have money..... and u do need it.... like i said....

u have to try manage the good and the bad along the way...

the more u worry about money ....u could end up in a early grave..... its for spending ... It sort out who lives the high

life... from the low life. loldaffy52....

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 4:35 pm

I never implied we dont need money, I merely said it doesnt provide for a meaningful and fulfilling life. The intangibles however..................

daffodil52 · Post by **daffodil52** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 4:51 pm

Nomad wrote: I never implied we dont need money, I merely said it doesnt provide for a meaningful and fulfilling life. The intangibles however..................

Now theirs word intangibles .... that does justice to money

quality .

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 5:05 pm

Without malice I would have to say I feel sorry for you. Some people get it and some never do.

For your benefit maybe something tragic will happen in your life to wake you up. I mean that in a "hope you see the light" way.

Peg · Post by **Peg** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 5:39 pm

ubetta wrote: Yes, but. You can have a roof over your head and electricity and still be miserable.

Then again, you can not have a roof and no electricity and be having the time of your life.

)
I wonder if the homeless would agree.

SOJOURNER · Post by **SOJOURNER** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 6:01 pm

The question was: Does money buy happiness?

What is happiness?

Is it inot an intangible?

Does it not come from within?

How can you purchase an emotion?

Money no more buys happiness than it does anger, peace of mind, curiosity or serenity.

daffodil52 · Post by **daffodil52** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 6:03 pm

Nomad wrote: Without malice I would have to say I feel sorry for you. Some people get it and some never do.

For your benefit maybe something tragic will happen in your life to wake you up. I mean that in a "hope you see the light" way. sorry if u take it that way

no offence was intended...... ..... but i have been around the block a few times and ive seen the light...

many times ..... life no one lives for ever.....loldaffy52