Would you rather be poor and unhappy or rich and happy?

Question

Seems to me, many equate wealth with unhappiness.

I don't know about that. While money may not be able to "buy" happieness, it sure makes life a lot more comforable and secure.

Isn't that, to a large degree, what happiness is about? Being able to take care of the people you care for. Knowing that you have the where with all to make thier lives secure.

So why the general consensus that people with money are unhappy?

Is it simply envy?

Answer 1

People like to think that the rich are shallow and materialistic, and that this means they are unhappy. Well for starters, the rich are not fundamentally different from the rest of us. I know plenty of shallow, materialistic people who are not rich. If anything, those who are self-made rich tend to have a drive and a passion that propels them and makes them value their time and life. Having a purpose-driven life and a desire not to waste your life are, I think, two hallmarks of living a happy life.

Also, I think the perception that the rich aren't happy is probably fueled in part by the many self-destructive follies and self-inflicted suffering of the celebrity class. The media loves to report on the screw-ups of the famous, and the people lap it up. There is a certain reassurance, even if it's just an illusion, that the rich & famous are really no better than you are.

Answer 2

I don't buy the general consensus. I started out very poor but can't remember being that unhappy. I always had a goal and worked for it, always got it. Am a lot more comfortable now. People with money who profess unhappiness set themselves up. Happiness is always up to you. Money or no. You get what you ask for, might as well ask for the good. I always have and have gotten it one way or another. I don't believe in envy, a wasteful emotion. Strive to be the best, it has always worked for me. Blessings on you.

Answer 3

Rich and happy. Money doesn't buy happiness though. Many millionaires and billionaires kill themselves. In some ways, I'd rather be poor. The more you have, the more you must take care of and insure. The less you have, the less you have to lose as well. And just because you're rich now, doesn't mean you'll be rich forever. That is not guaranteed in this life. My personal philosophy is that if you are doing what God created you to do, which always includes having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, then you will be the most fulfilled in life, although you won't always be happy. I think most people have learned that in this world, happiness is fleeting. Enjoy it when you have it, because it won't last forever; and that's true for both Christians and non-Christians. If this wasn't the case, there would be no need for heaven. We Christians at least have the blessed assurance that we are going to heaven, no matter how bad life gets.

Answer 4

Being happy is being contented, feeling fulfilled. It can be for any reason. Its the emotion linked to the reason that determines whether one is happy or not.

If you're happy, that's swell. If you're rich too, that just gives you an extra reason to be happy.

Its hard for people to be happy on an empty stomach. Naturally, the absence of wealth is a concern for the have-nots.

Rich people seem unhappy because of all the media hype on all those rich people like Paris Hilton that seem to already have everything, have nothing to worry about so they don't know what else to do with their lives except getting in trouble.

Answer 5

Envy and escapism.
People who say money can't buy happiness are safe in saying that. They will never have any.
Oh Yes of course. Paris Hilton is rich and unhappy. You bet.
Gene Simmons is rich, happy and I bet he could argue the point very well.
I have had lots of money, and I have been very poor. Frankly I liked it better when I had lots.
Money may not buy happiness, but it has been known to rent some first class companionship.

Answer 6

"poor and unhappy? OR rich and happy"???
What a choice;!!! who would choose poor and unhappy? Only a nut!
OR.....do you mean poor and happy OR rich and unhappy"???
Well,..... if you meant poor and happy, I'd go with that, rather than rich and unhappy!