Money Can Buy You Freedom But Not Happiness

The words Money, Freedom and Happiness all play a big role into your overall quality of life. Money is intrinsically linked to freedom, but not necessarily happiness. As ironic as it may seem, people that have all the “wants” in the world can be some of the most unhappy individuals out there. Everyone has their own individual perception of happiness, but when you get down to the core of it all, if you have nothing besides money, one will never receive the sense of fulfillment an individual truly desires. Do you remember Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs? It’s the triangle that separates the five key motivational needs of a human that encourages one to achieve greater fulfillment in life.

1. Physiological: Food, water, shelter and warmth.

2. Safety: Freedom from fear, security of body, employment, resources, morality, family, health and property.

3. Love & Belonging: Friendship, family, sexual intimacy.

4. Esteem: Self-esteem, confidence, achievement, respect for others, respect by others.

5. Self-Actualization: Morality, creativity, spontaneity, problem solving, lack of prejudice acceptance of facts.

Survival is a biological instinct that we were all born with. We are dependent on food water and shelter to literally survive to stay alive. As motivated individuals we climb to the next step to live a life of security and happiness until we’ve reached Self-Actualization.

Having a lot of money can only take you so far. We assume that a sportier car, a bigger house, a better-paying job, or that expensive clothing will bring us joy because, well, they did in the past right? This is something that I like to refer to as Happy Amnesia. A simple flash in the pan that leaves a lasting glare in our eyes. Sure, money can give you happiness because you are free from some of the hardships and restraints that life can have, but can it truly give you a life of quality? To have a well-balanced life you need to have four components in order; Family & Friends, Meaning & Purpose, Health & Wellbeing and Money & Finances.

So tonight, when you are with your loved ones or people who are dearest to you, know that you have made it, remember that money cannot buy you happiness and that this life is what you make it.

Stay well and stay happy!