Money can't buy happiness—it's actually the other way around: Happy people 'are more successful in life,' expert says (2024)

The average salary that Americans say would make them happy is $94,696, according to a Moneyzine.com survey of more than 1,200 people done in 2023. But research shows that money can't buy happiness; happy people just seem to be more successful.

Tami Muller is a happiness trainer and positive psychology coach who has studied the science of happiness for the past five years. Through studying the topic, Muller learned that the hedonic treadmill of chasing happiness by trying to land the best job or make the most money isn't an accurate way to attain it.

"Happy people make more money, have better relationships [and] are more successful in life, not vice versa," Muller says.

"You can be happy now, and at the same time, you can save money," she adds. "This is really active acceptance."

Unless you're using money to buy experiences, get extra time or donate to others, it can't buy you happiness, social scientist and happiness expert, Arthur C. Brooks, teaches in his Harvard course about managing happiness.

Choosing to engage in practices like building strong social connections and finding a purpose that fuels you is what actually leads to happiness and fulfillment, not achieving a specific financial goal, Brooks emphasizes.

But being happier in life can lead to financial increases and success, Muller says. "Happiness is the thing that's actually causing us to succeed," she notes.

A 2005 systematic review of 225 papers found that being happy can lead to success in different areas of life including income and health.

And when it comes to having better relationships, the happiest people who live the longest prioritize and strengthen their personal connections often, according to a Harvard study with more than 80 years of data.

"We really need to focus not on how to be more successful, but how we can be happier," Muller says, "Then success will follow."

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Money can't buy happiness—it's actually the other way around: Happy people 'are more successful in life,' expert says (1)

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Money can't buy happiness—it's actually the other way around: Happy people 'are more successful in life,' expert says (2024)

FAQs

What is the famous quote about money can't buy happiness? ›

“While money can't buy happiness, it certainly lets you choose your own form of misery.” GROUCHO MARX.

What is a famous quote about money and happiness? ›

Money cant buy happiness”- you've probably heard this phrase a million times. Money is a tricky question because if you don't have it, you want more of it, and even if you do, you want to earn more of it.

How does The Great Gatsby show that money can t buy happiness? ›

Scott Fitzgerald in the novel, The Great Gatsby, implies that money cannot buy happiness. Gatsby has all the money yet he is not happy when he throws gigantic parties at his house. Daisy, the one he tried to lure in with his parties, never cared to show up.

What is the main argument in money Can't Buy happiness? ›

Emotional fulfillment: Happiness comes from a sense of fulfillment and purpose, which cannot always be bought with money. Strong relationships, meaningful work, and personal growth are just a few examples of non-material sources of happiness.

Why do rich people say money can't buy happiness? ›

The saying means that true happiness comes from within, not from possessions that can be bought. Beyond the ability to pay your bills, happiness is a state of mind that is short-lived when you base it on physical objects and the numbers in an investment portfolio.

What does the Bible say about money and happiness? ›

Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!

Why doesn't money buy happiness? ›

Having more money might bring pleasure, but it does not bring intrinsic happiness that's sticky to the soul. Personal growth, meaningful relationships, and states of our physical and mental health contribute to the intrinsic happiness that grounds us regardless of the unknowns that swirl around us.

Does money make you happier? ›

Money contributes to happiness when it helps us make basic needs but the research tells us that above a certain level more money doesn't actually yield more happiness. Not only did earning more money make participants happier, but it also protected them from things which might make them unhappier.

Who first said money can't buy happiness? ›

“Money buys everything, except morality and citizens” a quote by Rousseau wrote in 1750, (Vanover, 2021)could be taken as the origin for the very commonly used saying “Money can't buy Happiness”, it explains the limitation money has upon emotional needs.

What might Fitzgerald be saying about money and happiness? ›

Ultimately, Fitzgerald wants readers to understand that money alone will not bring happiness. Our takeaway is that it is important to dedicate time – perhaps everyone's most valuable asset – to building personal relationships.

When money can't buy happiness quotes Gatsby? ›

Gatsby is a man who is a walking irony. Gatsby spent his entire life trying to become wealthy, but even when he succeeded, he was still unhappy. “Rich people only ever get richer, they don't get happier. But poor people get by because they are happy, knowing they have a family to come home to” (Fitzgerald, chapter 6.)

Is money Doesn't Buy happiness a theme? ›

Theme: money can't buy happiness

The idea is that no amount of money or other external things can guarantee a person's happiness. Examples: In "Citizen Kane" (1941), we see how the exceedingly rich and powerful Mr.

Are richer people happier? ›

Now, Killingsworth has found that happiness rises to even higher levels for the extremely rich, or those with assets between $3 million to $7.9 million, with their life satisfaction far exceeding that of people with mere six figure incomes.

Is it true that only money can buy happiness? ›

While money can boost your happiness, those other factors will significantly impact your overall psychological well-being more than money alone will. Finally, beware of a money and happiness paradox. Given the benefits of having money, you'd think that achieving financial success should be a top life goal.

Can too much money make you unhappy? ›

Indeed, some wealthy individuals are even said to suffer from “affluenza,” a social condition among those who are excessively focused on material possessions and consumerism, to the point where their personal values and behaviors are negatively impacted.

What was Adam Smith's famous quote? ›

'Labour was the first price, the original purchase-money that was paid for all things. It was not by gold or by silver, but by labour, that all wealth of the world was originally purchased. '

What are the few lines on money can't buy happiness? ›

According to me, although having lots of money will surely provide us lot of ways to entertain ourselves but it can't buy love and happiness. Money can't buy love and a happy life comes from having good friends and family who care about us. Our life becomes meaningful and happy when we are around loved ones.

What is the famous quote follow the money? ›

"Follow the money" is a catchphrase popularized by the 1976 docudrama film All the President's Men, which suggests political corruption can be brought to light by examining money transfers between parties.

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