In the article entitled “Can Money Buy Happiness?” written by Arthur C. Brooks and published in The American in 2008 presented an argumentative discussion asserting that money cannot buy happiness; but success can. One only partially agrees with the author’s affirmation since the measure for success was also financial remuneration, to wit: “financial status is the way we demonstrate to others (and ourselves) that we are successful” (Brooks, 2008, par. 34). One disagrees that this is the only way to demonstrate success. Some people could measure success in terms of merely fulfilling identified goals- which are not always to achieve higher income or greater wealth. For instance, success could simply mean finishing a task; appreciating a day filled with music; or cooking a good meal. Although one believes that money cannot indeed buy happiness; it is for the simple reason that people are unique and the measure of happiness differs according to individuals. Not all people measure happiness in terms of accumulating wealth. Some people consider themselves happy just by making others happy through manifesting altruistic stance and thinking more of serving the needs and interests of others; more than focusing on personal or professional pursuits in life.
The article written by Cass R. Sunstein provided enlightening information which allegedly links money to happiness; based on five principles which were developed by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton in their book. One was convinced with the argument which emphasized that “the more we are exposed to something, the more its impact diminishes” . The power of attention and adaptation were clearly discussed as influencing the way people view their willingness and ability to spend money to gain happiness. One was most illumined by the assertion that “people often get a lot of pleasure from anticipating the future” . These were inputs that make sense and have been a totally new way of looking at how money is able to influence or create happiness. One therefore is convinced that the arguments presented by Sunstein (2013) from the book of Dunn and Norton are beneficial to the readers, as they provided clear, useful, and practical applications on how people really regard using money for “experiences, treats, time, deferred consumption, and gifts” that truly create happiness.
References
Brooks, A. C. (2008). Can Money Buy Happiness. Retrieved from The American: http://www.american.com/archive/2008/may-june-magazine-contents/can-money-buy-happiness
Sunstein, C. (2013). Like a Virgin: The Strange Relation of Money to Happiness. The New Republic.
