Can money really buy happiness?

Most people have the notion that happiness is all about money. If one has money then that person is automatically happy. Looking at the issue from a different angle, you get to realise that individuals define happiness differently. Happiness could simply be defined as a feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. Some people argue that happiness is all about money while others disagree. Weekly Trust spoke with a cross section of people on what they think of money and happiness; their responses are diverse and interesting.
Halima Abdullahi, a mother of two in her late 20s, believes that everyone has his or way of defining happiness. She argues that it depends on one’s perception of what happiness is because happiness in itself is transient in nature. “The chances of one being happy all the time are almost not feasible. Money might not necessarily buy happiness so also not being able to take care of your basic financial needs will definitely resort to unhappiness. In the era we are, happiness and money can be said to be two sides of the same coin. By money here I don’t mean billionaire rich, I simply refer to being able to take care of your needs. Being able to cater for yourself financially gives you a sought of confidence which eventually translates to peace of mind and happiness,” she explains.
Muhammad Nura, a 35-year-old civil servant, is of the view that happiness isn’t all about money, it all goes down to one’s peace of mind. He thinks that there are quite a number of people that have money but lack happiness. He adds that: “I think without money one can really find happiness. However, considering the condition this country is currently facing, it is very hard for one to find happiness. Personally, if I were to be living in a village far away from the city, I believe I would find happiness in the surrounding environment. The reason is simple, there is low cost of living there and I won’t be stressed with lots of activities.”
An undergraduate of University of Abuja, Christy Tarfa, says: “It is not all about the money because money cannot buy happiness. For instance, I have seen quite a number of marriages that failed because they lacked happiness even though they were exceedingly rich. The most important thing is to have mutual understanding, tolerance, love and trust. With all these in place, one can be truly happy. For those that are just coming up, all they need to do is focus on their relationship and strive to make each other happy. The money will come later if both parties join hands together.”
Joseph Yusuf, a lawyer, is of the belief that most people have the mentality that money can buy happiness but in reality money itself can’t buy happiness but it can buy things that bring happiness: “A perfect example is how a person can afford expensive medical bills to keep their loved ones from dying from a curable but expensive disease. In my own opinion, money is one of the things that contribute in the process of being happy.”
Farida Bello, 24, and a mother, argues that happiness has no price tag. For her, happiness has nothing to do with money, as she knows people who are not wealthy yet are living a happily: “I have come to realise that the more money a person has, the unhappier the person is. If most of those wealthy men were to be honest with themselves they would admit that they lack happiness. For example, most celebrities that we see and admire, we like to think that they have everything the heart can wish for but the truth is most of them have family issues, scandalous lifestyles and they live an unhappy life. If truly money could buy happiness do you think any of them would go through that? I completely agree that money does offer a means to make people happy, but true happiness runs deeper than the possessions.”
Bello adds that there are countless poor people who huddle together to keep warm and share the little they have to survive, that is love which obviously brings about happiness. She believes the root of happiness is love and not money or any other material thing.
Thirty-two-year-old architect, Ahmed Ibrahim, also notes that money doesn’t buy happiness, but rather brings it: “The term doesn’t mean it literally buys happiness; it means it buys things that make you happy. For instance, money will buy you luxury items and services but the truth is it can’t buy you the things you need to live a full life of lasting happiness like time, respect, health and knowledge. I understand that having money makes life easier for one but in my humble opinion, I don’t concur that money and happiness go hand in hand.
Mama Adaeze, a hair stylist, rejects the whole idea of connecting happiness with money and argues that they are totally two separate things; one can happen without the other: “Money doesn’t make me happy because money gives lots of problems. Nonetheless, it is a source to satisfy my life’s necessities like feeding, clothing and shelter. For me, being happy is when I am with my family. Being with my loved ones is my major source of happiness and not money. Most importantly, putting a smile on my mother’s face gives me real happiness. I don’t need money to be happy whatsoever.”