Breaking News Flash! - Money Does Buy Happiness

March 27th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under
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This is true at least according to social psychologist Elizabeth Dunn of the University of British Columbia (UBC). Studies conducted on 109 UBC students (!) shown that by spending money for charity or friends (altruistic giving) people generally end up being happier than those who spend on themselves.

The studies leading to the conclusion that people who spend money for charity are happier were conducted on a relatively low number of subjects who were students of the university conducting the survey. We all know that students might be tempted to say anything for a better grade. Fortunately they were not the only ones tested. Other 632 subjects across the USA were interviewed and the results were surprising: those who give altruistically live happier lives. However, it’s too early to conclude that the results of the study are enough to prove a theory. It is also scary to think how this theory could be abused by fake charities and other charlatans - we wouldn’t err to say they are already doing it.

While altruistic giving related to happiness is still a matter of debate, being rich is not a bad thing after all. In a world where everything is for sale, no wonder that rich people live a more joyous life. Only in some studies it is shown that people are not happier as they become more prosperous. It’s not the amount of money that buys happiness, but the way it’s spent. Food for thought for those well-to-do people out there who want more happiness huh?


Secondbrain

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