Throughout our lives, one common saying has been monotonously repeated to us. This mantra has been ingrained into just about every moral tale. “Money can’t buy happiness.”
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Even Pink Floyd has something to say about money’s corruption.
While this phrase may hold truth in some cases, over time it has given the pursuit of riches a very negative connotation. Although money itself is not the source of joy, you have to admit that you’d be rather miserable without any of it.
When falsely interpreted, some people come to the conclusion that money can, in fact, only bring misfortune. I believe that the only case where currency can cause calamity is when you become consumed with it. In the hands of someone with a little self control, money can be used as a tool to benefit them and others for the better.
I would say, and I’m sure many would agree, that when finances are tight and you’re having trouble paying your bills, stress becomes and ever-present, unwanted visitor.
Having the money to make payments and provide other necessities relieves heaps of stress and consequentially makes it much easier to achieve a higher level of happiness. If you’re not constantly stressing about paying off your college loans, you’re going to have more time for hobbies and people that make you happy.
I’m definitely not saying that monetary gain is more important than, or even equal to, other aspects of life. And, obviously, it has the potential to become a black hole of greed, sucking up every meaningful thing in your life and replacing it with a bottomless hunger for more. However, it’s not imminent. You get a choice in how it affects you.
Money only gets its value from the significance that we place on it. If we treat it as a horrendous beast, enveloping all of our emotions and relationships, then it will manifest as that. But, if we treat it as something to help us accomplish our dreams, it can transform into a great tool.
Eternally In Progress 