Public Speaking Speech: Can Money Buy Hapiness?

There is an old cliché that states money cannot buy happiness. But is that actually true in every case? Money can’t buy happiness is a saying some people live by and others ignore. Hi, I am M.E. and I will be unveiling and discussing the authenticity of this saying as well as the impact behind it. The saying insinuates 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 your bank account. Research has found that up until a certain income level, money certainly can have a positive impact on one’s happiness. But does it stop there? Is a positive impact truly equivalent to genuine happiness?

When it comes to the question of whether money can buy happiness or not, there is a lot of ways to view the claim. It is hard to take a stance on the question without knowing what degree of happiness is being discussed. For example, according to clever girl finance.com, “Money doesn’t necessarily increase our happiness in the ways we might expect it to. More money isn’t going to improve your mindset, and buying more stuff won’t really bring you more joy. But money can also buy things like time and experiences which no doubt brings us happiness.” See now in this case, money is buying them happiness but when looking at the extent of this feeling, the happiness is only temporary. It is easy to associate money with happiness because you will keep wanting more and keep chasing that short-term feeling. But the chase is endless, and you will find yourself in a constant loop of being greedy and wanting more and never truly feeling not only satisfied but happy.

It is easy to claim happiness without being truly aware of the full term's meaning. According to verywellmind.com, “Happiness is an emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment. While happiness has many different definitions, it is often described as involving positive emotions and life satisfaction.” With this definition two terms stand out to me the most. One being fulfillment and the second being life satisfaction. Now I for one have never found myself sitting on a fortune of money but I just could never imagine feeling genuinely fulfilled and satisfied with life with the possession of more material objects. It is best put by becomingminimalist.com stating, “Our experiences hint at it. Studies confirm it. Buying material things does not make us happy. The pursuit and purchase of physical possessions will never fully satisfy our desire for happiness. It may result in temporary joy for some, but the happiness found in buying a new item rarely lasts longer than a few days.” True bliss will never be defined through the possession of material items.

Now if it isn't money that we are seeking for to feel fulfilled with life then what is it? If money does not equal happiness, then what does? I found it to be best put by Richard Freidman stating, “Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make it wag its tail.” Many people are blinded from the important aspects of life by their lust for wealth and money. They become so focused on money that it pushes away the people they care for and the passions that they love. People should love and appreciate the assets they already possess because with money comes greediness. With the money and capability to buy whatever you would like you to become obsessed with wanting bigger and better, never satisfied with what you have. It is a constant and never-ending chase. And the truth behind this is that happiness will come to you once you start to appreciate what you already have. My personal happiness has never come from the belongings I have or the numbers in my bank account. I choose to surround myself with the people I love and focus on the interests I enjoy most. In doing so I am able to find an inner happiness within myself.

Acquiring money and status makes us feel satisfied with life. Through the ‘focusing illusion’ we convince ourselves that satisfaction equals happiness. Unfortunately, it does not. Even though we appear to have everything, we are left feeling that something is missing, but are unable to identify what that thing is. True happiness arises from within, not from without. Happiness is a matter of perspective and attitude. It is not a goal that can be attained by simply purchasing an expensive item, but it can be found inside you by embracing gratitude and optimism. Finding true happiness means understanding that the material things we think will make us happy do not actually bring lasting joy. It is easy to become lost and obsessed in the world of wanting more and never feeling satisfied. Now as you find yourself constantly wishing you had more, learn to appreciate what you do have and focus more on the things no amount of money can buy. It is so easy to just not take for granted all the positives you already have in your own life and in doing so you will no doubt become a happier person.