If Happiness Could Be Bought

One of the biggest desires of humans is to be happy. I think it's a fact that's undeniable. Many things we tend to do are to get us to that point where we have a happy and enjoyable life, so it makes sense to consider it this way. Happiness remains one of the paramount things a person needs. The effects are reflected in the outcome of people's life decisions, choices and so on. And I tell you that people can go to great lengths to gain that “happiness.”

^{Image Source.}

Yes, to great lengths, even if such could be unacceptable. That's how much it matters. The absence of happiness yields the opposites of it; the likes of depression, anger and others set in. Sadly, many people are caught in the clutches of depression so much that escaping requires an intervention. Peace and happiness that one has might not really be valued until they probably slide into the arms of depression. I wish such for no one.

Happiness remains a great emotional gain. So, let's consider the fictional possibility that there's a world where happiness can be bought. Like, happiness can be paid for and purchased, and one would have a good load of happiness to enjoy. And the bigger catch, it's something one could get cheaply. Not necessarily paying high amounts or expensively. What would that mean? Would it be a path I'd like to tread?

While I consider this, I try to see two prospects from such a situation. First is the fact that it's something you could find readily available and purchase cheaply. It means the poor and rich would have access to it. Though the rich could still have some sort of advantage, I presume. The second is the possibility to easily lift many from the hole of depression they've been stuck in. With such a positive prospect, it looks like something that would go well for many, at least.

^{Image Source.}

However, here's the thing I consider with emotions; money doesn't really answer it. I know many agree that money can buy happiness, but how many unhappy rich people do we see? We might not see the ordeal they go through, but there's a lot of unhappiness that some endure. So, when it comes to emotions, money isn't a necessary answer. Though it could be to an extent. I'd also like to consider that such a world would be built on a facade powered by money not intentionality, reality and authenticity.

If what makes me happy is that I have money; even if a little, to purchase some “ounce” of happiness, what happens when I happen to have no dime? Do I borrow to buy happiness? Wait, doesn't that make it a “borrowed happiness?” Chuckles. As mentioned, when it comes to emotions, money can only go to an extent, the real thing comes from within. So with happiness as an emotion.

For me, I wouldn't subscribe to such a world. I know that happiness is attainable, not as a function of money; little or much, but of an intentional, inner decision and efforts. I'm working every day towards my happiness and I know what gives me that for real. While it's a continuous effort towards more peace and happiness, that route wouldn't take me to “purchasing” happiness. I'll work on my happiness, raw and real from inside, and maybe use that money to buy caprisone instead from the market, not happiness. Chuckles.

Thank you for reading through!