Would becoming amazingly rich overnight make you any happier as a person?

Answer 1

No, probably nervous on who was going to be knocking at my door or calling me for money.

Answer 2

Actually, in the long run becoming wealthy overnight will cause more problems.

People who earn their wealth slowly have learned how to deal with money. They know how to save it, how to invest it, and how to spend it judiciously.

People who are born into money are surrounded by it all their lives, and it is a basic part of their education to learn how to handle money wisely.

But those who spontaneously come into wealth are simply not prepared to deal with it wisely. Look at how many people win the lottery and are in debt 5 years later, or these celebrities like Britney Spears who are totally screwed up. The "Nouveau-Riche" are generally disdained by the "Old Money" people. Partly because They like to be an exclusive club, and partly because the newly rich are far too flashy for the old-money taste.

These are, of course broad generalizations. There are plenty of people who interit their money through their families, but are just as messed up as the newly rich... Paris Hilton comes to mind. And there are those who win the lottery, pay off their debts, invest the rest, and live simply and comfortably for the rest of their lives.

Personally, I don't think I'd want to be one of the upper class, I'd rather be comfortably nestled into the middle class, with a home appropriate to my lifestyle, a good, reliable vehicle, and the freedom to enjoy life.

Answer 3

There are few problems in life that a full bank account and a full stomach can't help.

I would be happier, assuming the money came from a legitimate source. We could pay off all our debts, we could get a bigger apartment meaning I could have my own room, my mom could go back to college and take some classes for fun, I could see somewhere outside the US for the first time (excluding driving through Canada a bit to get to Michigan, that doesn't really count), I could go to college without putting myself in debt and my family back in debt, and most importantly my parents would be taken care of when they got old.

The concept that your happiness is inversely related to the size of your bank account is merely a remnant of some communist/socialist ideology. Having a lot of money has nothing to do with your morals, and can help with happiness. People who think money is everything are not limited to the top of the socioeconomic ladder.

Answer 4

For someone who has lived a rather stressful life wondering about how to pay this or that bill and if something or other would be disconnected, I feel that person would experience some degree of happiness-increase.

I am not saying that the money is buying that person happiness, but rather that he/she would then be free from so much frustration brought on by constant need. Therein lies the stress which seriously depletes one's ability to enjoy any of the happiness which really comes naturally.

I've seen people forgetting how to smile from want and poverty. I strongly believe money would do wonders for their peace of mind.

Answer 5

To be honest I imagine I would be ecstatic for a time thinking about how I was going to make my extended family more comfortable in life, and the sheer enjoyment of it would make me a very happy person. But in having said that I am happy with who I am now and would endeavour to remain the same person and not let money change me.

Answer 6

It may not make me a happier person. But I sure would like the opportunity to see some of my less fortunate friends faces when I gave them an opportunity to stop struggling financially. :-) :-)

Answer 7

Yes, it would make most people happier. Its what you do with the money and who you become that defines happiness.... People create their worlds, money is a wrench that turns both ways.

Answer 8

Yes, my husband would no longer have to be in the Army and go on anymore deployments. We would still work though and budget the money, because that's how we roll. I don't necessarily want to be stinken rich, just have that money security and family security.

Answer 9

hmmm easy answer yes all financial worries gone. Look a liitle deeper and realize if you were an unhappy person without money then what makes you think you would be a happy person woth money?

Answer 10

I love the idea of having an endless supply of money, however I know myself so well and having everything would probably make me utterly foul! It's good to have to work for somethings (as I keep telling my children). If you have everything on a plate your expectations become inrealistic and well, who am I kidding, bring it on!!!!!

Answer 11

I don't think it would make me happier, but it would mean I have less things to do and worry about. So it would make my life better, yes.