Personal Happiness: More than Money - Essay Example

Personal Happiness: More than Money THE OF YOUR SCHOOL OR Personal Happiness: More than Money All humanswant to live happy lives. In their search to find that happiness, many wrongly believe that money is the answer to the quest for contentment. After all, they reason, enough money can ensure that most problems are taken care of, while it provides plenty of toys for recreational occupation. To actually equate happiness with money, however, is nave and simplistic. The notion of personal happiness surely must extend beyond a single dimension; and indeed it does.

Human beings are complex creatures, and their happiness is not derived from a single source. Rather, the general happiness of an individual is comprised of several components, most of which are not found in a large bank account. In fact, one social scientist named A. H. Maslow theorized that humans have several classes of needs, one built upon another; basic physiological needs, the need for safety and security, the need to love and be loved, needs in the area of esteem, and the need for self-actualization (DeMartino, et al., 1958, p. 2).

As can be inferred from this hierarchy, money is not the sole answer to human happiness. It can supply the basic physiological needs of shelter, food, clothing, and other material necessities. It can even provide security to some measure, although history is replete with stories of rich people being harmed physically, psychologically, or socially. When it comes to love, however, the whole idea of happiness moves out of the financial realm. While cynics might argue that love is overrated, I think most people would agree that the need to love and be loved is an important component of happiness.

This basic need involves the personal arenas of desire, compatibility, and all the other intricacies of human interaction; things that money cannot buy. In the area of esteem, it has been argued that the items money provides can positively impact personal and social respect. I think it is plain, however, that any individual who derives their self-esteem from their possessions is shallow and, if the money goes away, they are presented with a personal crisis far beyond financial loss. Finally, in the area of self-actualization, money does not provide personal fulfillment.

While it may enable an individual to accomplish some personal goals, there are numerous examples of people who are self-actualized through their own efforts and the pleasure derived from doing what they were meant to do; things that have little to do with monetary resources. Personal happiness is an individualized and complex concept. It cannot be defined in terms of a single commodity like money. Certainly if someone lacks the basic necessities of life, money is a factor in happiness. For most human beings, however, the equation contains much more than having enough food to eat and a roof over their heads.

Personal happiness is distilled from relationships, a healthy respect for oneself and others, and the feeling that comes from engaging in meaningful, fulfilling activities. There are millions of people who don't have money, but have still found personal happiness. They would all agree that money may contribute to happiness, but it isn't everything.ReferencesDeMartino, M. F., Stacey, C. L., (Eds.) (1958). Understanding Human Motivation. Cleveland, OH: Howard Allen Books