Is The Pursuit Of Money Making Us Unhappy

Why is money important to us, and is it worth obsessing over?

There’s a growing sentiment out there that the pursuit of money is making the general population pretty miserable. I believe it’s probably true that life goals centered on nothing but money are not conducive to happiness, but money itself is not the problem. While it certainly seems like more people are unhappy about money than ever before, and ever rising fuel costs make it even worse, I don’t think that it’s a fair assessment. Although it is widely thought that the bible calls money the root of all evil, the actual verse says that it is the love of money is the root of all evil. It’s a small difference in words, but the meaning behind those words is huge.

It’s a fact of life that income is necessary for most of us. Things like food, shelter and clothing all come with price tags. Therefore, much of the population has to work (or support a working partner) in order to have the things that money can buy. This is actually okay. It’s even okay to like the things that money can buy and to want them. What isn’t okay is to idolize money and make the pursuit of money your sole purpose in life. This does not lead to a meaningful, fulfilling existence. Therein lies the problem.

It is not the money that makes you happy or unhappy in your life. It’s not that simple. It’s a matter of defining success in a way that takes all elements into account. Keeping the big picture in mind was never more crucial. The fact is that money is not all that you need in life. The pursuit of money as the absolute definition of happiness is an ultimately losing proposition. Because I promise you that when and if you acquire whatever sum of money you have determined will be “enough” to make you happy, you will still be the same person you are today. Those who fall into this trap might next decide that they just had the happiness figure wrong and they actually need more. There is not a magic happy button out there, and there is no amount of money that can purchase it. Anyone who thinks this way must step off of the merry go round and take a look inside. The more that is needed is not counted in dollars and cents.

It is healthy and necessary to gain some perspective on the matter. What is it that truly makes you happy and how do you get there? Endeavor to be truly present in your life instead of just existing. Notice and appreciate everything around you. Pay attention to everything you have – your health, family, friends, pets, hobbies… whatever it is that pleases you. You will realize that the things that money can buy are necessary, but they are not what really matters in your life. The best things in life aren’t things after all. Remembering this will change the way that money affects your life goals. It will change the pursuit of money from a consuming hunger to a necessary evil that allows you to really live your life.