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Happiness for sale
Does money buy happiness?
Do increasing income levels lead to increasing happiness levels?
Will you increase your chances of experiencing happiness if you increase your wealth?
For many years we’ve thought the answer to these questions has been a definite “no”. Most happiness researchers and academics still believe the answer is “no” but as you can see from this New York Times article, the question and answer are more complex that often thought.
Click here to read “Happiness for sale”
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on Friday, December 28th, 2007 at 5:39 pm and is filed under Happiness News.
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December 30th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
The findings were always more complicated.
It has always been known that raising income to the level of ‘frugal comfort’ increases happiness.
After this there may be a slight effect but it is tiny compared to the amounts of money required.
Another piece of evidence is downshifting. In Australia in a five year period 25% or people (excluding those returning to study and those going onto the old age pension) voluntarily took measures to reduce their lifestyle.
After needs are looked after money doesn’t buy happiness.
If any further evidence were needed look at the weatlhy around you - they do not radiate joy!