It's true that you can't literally buy happiness. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." And he would know, because he was depressed and miserable most of the time. But money can at least provide an escape from drudgery and give you increased access to excitement and entertainment.


Move slowly. Don't throw yourself, and your money, into the first harebrained scheme that comes along. Spend time savoring the joys of contemplation.

Don't let laziness rule your buying decisions. Sitting in a beach chair while servants fawn over you may be fun for a short time, but it's not likely to provide long-term satisfaction. Look for goals and projects that combine fun and challenge.

Be wary of ventures where money and status are ends in themselves. A huge yacht is an obvious sign of wealth. But if it's not fun for you, it's no more capable of enhancing your well-being than a '72 Pinto.

Surprise people. Look for activities that will stun your friends and family. If all you've ever done is sit on the couch, do something bold like get in shape, hire a guide and climb Mount Rainier.

Indulge in a little eccentricity. The more money you have, the nuttier you're allowed to be. Wear your pajamas around town. Call the best restaurants in town and pay whatever it costs to get that duck a l'orange delivered to your door.

Look for new activities with heavy technical demands, such as photography, music dubbing, video editing, car racing or anything else that requires many hours of study and pricey equipment. You'll spend many satisfying hours shopping for supplies, learning arcane details, and talking with experts. Soon you'll feel like a member of an elite club.

Look for ways to include your friends and family in your new activities. You'll be happier if you can share your experiences with people close to you.

Avoid being pompous or superior when discussing your new acquisition or endeavor. Nothing will turn away listeners, or set you up for ridicule, more than acting as though you know everything. If you just took up sailing, for example, take joy in all the learning you can look forward to. Listen and apply yourself, and soon you'll be an expert.

Hi Moneymail,

I take it you do not believe in God!

Perhaps you do, in which case please forgive me. Your advice on happiness gives the impression of one for whom this world is an end in itself with nothing to work or hope for beyond here.

Without believing in God and in a life hereafter, nothing here will really give you happiness. That is why you find many rich and talented people who are unhappy. Check out the rate of depression and suicide cases in more developed economies! True the soul has been created for joy, which is why it 'seems' to find happiness in many things that money can buy; however a clear sign that the soul longs for a different kind of joy is the transient nature of everything that gives joy here below. Name it: it can be a new gadget recently acquired. It will trip you for a few days, weeks, months but soon takes second place while you begin (if you don't control yourself) to search for new sources of excitement. The truth is that the soul is longing, longing, longing, That longing can only be satisfied by a full possession of God, when we see Him face to face in Heaven.

That doesn't mean we should not enjoy ourselves here on earth, after all God created it for our good, but only in so far as in making this world holy, we make ourselves holy and worthy to meet God when we die.

So what am I saying? Your suggestions for happiness are too materialistic. But perhaps I misjudge you. What do you think?

Money can be used to bring happiness if you spend it correctly. The original poster's point is well taken.

hmmmmmmmmmmm