Can money buy you happiness?

It's a question that's been asked thousands of times. In most cases, people might try to tell you that "no, money cannot buy happiness because the best things in life are free." While this statement has a certain level of truth, I see a more practical side of the question that some people might avoid when thinking about it. 


Yes, money can buy you happiness. For example, let's say you're very "hangry" (hungry and angry) one day. You forgot to pack a lunch for school, and your "hangriness" makes it hard to focus during class. Not only is your focus affected, but you're in a bad mood, and your friends can tell you're not acting like yourself. The moment the bell rings, you leap from your seat and sprint to the nearest food spot. As you approach the counter, the scent of warm food builds anticipation, tantalizing your nostrils. After placing your order, you hand the cashier your payment and await your receipt. As you step away from the counter to give others a chance to order, you begin to think about the delicious meal you are about to consume. 


The waiting doesn't stop there. With every moment that passes, you grow hungrier. Finally, your order is called, and your food is ready. You quickly thank the employee and grab your order from their hands. The warm container makes your heart beat a little bit faster. 


As you walk away from the counter, your mind is fixated on the chance to enjoy your newly acquired meal. The walk back to school is an agile one. You squeeze past other students as they walk around, being careful not to accidentally bump into one of them and potentially drop your food. Finally, you arrive at the Uni doors, food in hand and ready to chow down. Upon entry, you scurry to find where your friends sat down to eat, performing the same evasive maneuvers in the hallway as you did outside. 


Finally, you find them and settle down. As you open the food container, the same aroma that excited you at the restaurant comes flooding back, reaching everyone near you. "What is that? It smells good," comments one of your friends. You barely have time to respond as you're already munching on your delicious nourishment. 


After that first bite, everything changes. You're back in a good mood, and you can finally interact with your friends. During the rest of your classes, you're focused and engaged in the material. These two positives ultimately make your day a lot better than if you had no food. 


This day could've gone very differently if you hadn't purchased a delicious meal. In the end, spending money did make you happy after all. So yes, money can buy you happiness in some specific contexts. 


People find joy in all sorts of things. For example, I'm very happy when I'm spending time with my family, and that doesn't cost me a penny. However, I also love watching soccer games on TV, which costs something. My simple answer to the question of whether or not money buys happiness is no, but there are exceptions where some of the best joy-invoking things are free. 

Comments

  1. Fallon McFarlandNovember 3, 2023 at 9:40 AM

    I agree with Aya-- switching the pronouns/making the food narrative more personal to you would make the essay more personal. I think you could expand on the other things that bring you happiness, and discuss their prices and anecdotes about them as well. You spend a lot of time on the food narrative, and its a very entertaining story, but I think you need to explore the other things too (especially the "free" time you get to spend with your family, to bring out the contrast with the food you need to buy to be happy). Great essay!

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