The answer to whether a wealthy country is equivalent to a happy country is clearly no. The "Gross National Happiness" (GNH) index considers economic wellness as just one factor in determining the GNH index. Bhutan, recognized as the happiest nation globally, has a Gross National product per capita of only $1400USD. However, they have a strong sense of contentment, which explains their happiness. It is evident that money does not guarantee happiness at an individual, family, or societal level. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that money is crucial for sustaining our daily lives.
While dedicating long hours each day to work in pursuit of wealth, it is crucial to recognize that money alone does not ensure happiness. If individuals are not passionate about or aligned with their work, they may lack motivation and
...experience a decline in productivity. Moreover, an excessive workload can adversely affect one's health. Undoubtedly, good health holds greater significance than riches. Even if someone possesses immense wealth, the existence of a severe illness such as cancer would overshadow any joy derived from financial abundance. Conversely, devoting too much time to work entails sacrificing leisure.
If you pull people too hard, they will break like a rubber band. If you don't take time to relax while working, you will only feel stressed. Money often brings stress, so how can a stressed person be happy? Your family should be a safe haven protecting you from external threats. But what if your family becomes a battleground due to fighting over assets? Yung Kee Restaurant in Hong Kong is a famous restaurant valued at about 1.5 billion. The Kam family operate
the restaurant, but the family members are now competing for control of Yung Kee Restaurant because its market value is high.
The family used to be in harmony, but ever since the lawsuit for ownership of Yung Kee started, it has been torn apart. Some might think that being born into a wealthy family is desirable, but this case shows how inheriting wealth can strain family relationships. Likewise, just as finding true friendship and love can be difficult, finding genuine companionship and love becomes equally challenging when one possesses great wealth. People who become friends or fall in love with someone who is rich often prioritize their money over their character. If money only leads to loneliness, how can it truly bring happiness?
The HK government previously implemented a policy called the "6000 policy" which grants $6000 to all HK citizens aged 18 and above. This policy aims to address citizen demands and promote harmony in society. However, it neglects minority groups like new immigrants who lack a HKID card because they haven't resided in HK for 7 years. As a result, the policy fails its intended goals and worsens the division between the majority and minority populations. If money cannot achieve societal harmony, can it truly be seen as a requirement for happiness?
According to famous investor Buffett, it is better to help society than to spend money on luxurious goods. While buying luxurious goods may fulfill material needs, lending a hand to others can bring happiness both to them and ourselves, fulfilling our spiritual needs. The examples mentioned above are meant to inspire you that joy does not require money
as a prerequisite; happiness is not dependent on money, but rather our mindset. We can still experience happiness without money, and possessing a lot of money does not guarantee happiness. Therefore, let us abandon materialism and strive for a happier life.
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