In the Paradox Of Choice by Barry Schwartz, it elaborates how having too many options and choices can actually affect our happiness negatively.He elaborated how having to many choices opens a door to never being able to be content. For example, having too many options means our expectations are high but if perhaps one day these expectations are not reached that will make one discontent. Having too many options leads to never being satisfied and a state of wonder if you’re picking the best option. On the other hand, when there is less choices/options, there is a lower expectation status so getting disappointed is unlikely, we are more likely to feel happy because less options, means making a decision quicker and more accurately.
I chose to read the CNBC article titled “From the ‘perfect’ salary to keeping up with the Joneses, here’s how money really affects your happiness” talks about how money does affect one’s happiness in certain scenarios. This article talks about how if you were someone financially struggling, or in the middle that it’s normal to get content with a raise or an increase of money, so that now you can be financially comfortable. Yes, money isn’t everything but money does allow a sense of security because now instead of stressing if you have enough for rent and bills, you can now focus on yourself and mental state. This article also explains how when one reaches an amount of money that it too much, it might lead to a decrease in happiness because money is something they have enough of, why want more some people wonder what to even do with so much money? Many millionaires are currently depressed because although their job gives them money, they hate what they do for a living. So yes, money can make one happy but there is a limit.
In my opinion, money can help contribute with your happiness to an extent. Coming from someone who is not rich but financially stable enough I would love to have more money, to live more comfortably I feel as if this would make me more happier and relaxed. Money brings a sense of security, when it comes to adult life. Do I have enough money for the weeks food, for rent, for bills etc… and not having to stress about money would definitely make one happier. Money isn’t everything though, I definitely believe that although I’m not rich I’m already pretty happy with my humble life, because I have a roof under my head and food on my table. So money certainly can bring happiness to an extent to help people not stress about their money issues. Now if you want money for ambitious things such as materialistic things, you’ll never be content because no amount of money will ever be good enough to satisfy you, you’ll only want more, and that’s not living life.
