What would make you happier?
Living here?
or living here?
I find it easy to think that with more/bigger/better I’ll be happier. I’ve been challenged recently whilst reading Alain de Botton’s Consolations of Philosophy about the relationship of money to happiness.
Most people would say that if they had the first house they would be happier than if they lived in the second house (or, if you don’t like the examples of houses I chose, happier in more luxurious house!). Botton studies the Greek philosopher Epicurus and makes the observation that:
“Wealth is of course unlikely ever to make anyone miserable. But the crux of Epicurus’s argument is that if we have money without friends, freedom and an analysed life, we will never be truly happy. And if we have them, but are missing the fortune, we will never be unhappy.”
It’s important that we get the order right.
Money is good and there are good things you can do with money. But unless you are already happy, money is not going to make you happy or provide happiness.
As Botton concludes:
“Happiness may be difficult to attain. The obstacles are not primarily financial.”
One Comment
Having just seen your reference to Botton’s book, in case you’re not aware of it, a book which was inspired by it and which you may find interesting is ‘The Consolations of Theology’. It’s based on the 2006 Moore College School of Theology.
http://www.moorebooks.com.au/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=5562422&keyword=consolations&searchby=title&offset=0&fs=1&CLSN_1518=1219227567151818a13bfa333acc734c
Cheers
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