If the richest people in the world are not happy, what is the way to happiness?
By Lenny Miller
@InquisitiveMind (132)
August 28, 2017 3:11pm CST
A lot of us find ourselves chasing after money (which isn't bad. We need it to survive). But sometimes we get too absorbed in the pursuit. This may make you wonder, "Is it worth it?". And then you look at some rich people and see that even they aren't really happy. In fact, they have their own stresses, having to manage their businesses and having to deal with market changes.
So what do you think? Where can we hope to find happiness?
4 people like this
4 responses
@InquisitiveMind (132)
•
28 Aug 17
Good point. I suppose that could be the case. A philosopher, Aristotle, said the same thing. The key to a fulfilled life is moderation. Thanks for the input.
@MALUSE (69413)
• Germany
28 Aug 17
@InquisitiveMind The Romans used to say, "Modus in rebus" which means just that. 'Measure in the things'.
1 person likes this
@sabtraversa (12924)
• Italy
28 Aug 17
Balance is key, as stated before.
If you have too little, you'll be stressed.
If you have too much, same thing.
Happiness is about attitude, by the way. 
1 person likes this
@sabtraversa (12924)
• Italy
28 Aug 17
@InquisitiveMind Exactly. 
The glass is always half full: air or water, it's up to you.
The glass is always half full: air or water, it's up to you.1 person likes this
@InquisitiveMind (132)
•
28 Aug 17
Ah, true. Yeah, the excesses can lead to a difficult time. Perfectly illustrated that. Hmm. Yeah, there is a bit of a mental element to it. You can take one situation and have two people respond to it in two different ways: one may look at it as a failure and a disappointment, another may look at it as a learning experience and a chance to improve. :D
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (48411)
• Canada
28 Aug 17
I find that happiness starts from within. I feel that I have to be happy with myself before it can be seen by others. My family and my health are where my happiness lie, that is the cornerstone of my life and anything and everything else is just gravy. Yes, we need money to survive, but it doesn't buy health or people (not the kind that I want in my life anyways) and besides the basics, that is all that money is for me.
1 person likes this
@InquisitiveMind (132)
•
28 Aug 17
Totally. Thanks for sharing your experience and insight. Yes, I agree. As someone mentioned in this thread, it has to do, in part, with your attitude towards your life. So that is an internal aspect of happiness. And yeah, besides that good health and good social relationships can be fulfilling as well.
I guess if we take happiness to mean well-being, then various factors including social relationships, health, financial status, mental well-being, etc. come into play. And I think if an individual meets these needs, there are more chances for them to be happy.
But of course, attitude is important too and as you said, it starts from within. Once you decide to be happy with what you have (and if you want more, you should want to strive to improve instead of only reacting emotionally), life can be more pleasant and fulfilling. :)
1 person likes this
@explorer101 (63)
• Canada
30 Aug 17
I think happiness comes from within. When we nurture our soul by helping others selflessly, by being compassionate, by being in others' shoes, it makes us happy.
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@InquisitiveMind (132)
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31 Aug 17
Hmm... thanks for sharing your views. Yeah, I suppose that's important as well. Maybe lack of happiness comes from too much self-absorption. When you're too concerned about yourself, you may become too critical. This in turn may lead you to look at all your flaws and all the things you lack in life.
But if, on the other hand, you turn your attention to the outside world and try to give yourself to them, you can see the result of your work in the smiles on their faces and their improvement in life.
And I suppose if you get into work where you have to deal with underprivileged people, it kinda makes you feel grateful for your own fortunate situation. Sometimes unhappiness can result from comparing ourselves only with those better off than us and ignoring the ways in which we are doing better than many others. :)
