Money is highly valued in society, and its significance is understood by every member. The pursuit of money can lead people to participate in deceitful or unethical dealings with the aim of acquiring it.
With society's relentless desire for money, various authorities have established systems to manage and safeguard it. Governments implement measures such as issuing checks and enhancing the security of financial services to protect money from unauthorized access. Meanwhile, individuals store their money in safe locations and may opt to invest it in order to increase their wealth. However, some people push themselves beyond their limits and sacrifice their health in pursuit of greater wealth. In some cases, they resort to unconventional and even illegal methods to acquire money.
According to Weinstein (266), individuals with greater wealth are regarded as the happiest and most comfortabl
...e. They typically draw larger crowds, comprised mostly of people from a similar social status and class. Conversely, those with less money are often seen as less significant and kept at arm's length. Consequently, individuals tend to associate with others who have a higher status and perceive the less fortunate as burdensome. Moreover, the affluent may view the poor as a cause of their own insecurity. Hence, those with financial means consider fellow wealthy individuals as their genuine companions.
The rich are more inclined to lend money to other wealthy individuals rather than the poor (Boniwell 35). Furthermore, they tend to exhibit greater happiness, which in turn attracts a larger circle of friends compared to those who appear less happy. Individuals with financial means have the advantage of indulging in travel and experiencing nature to a greater extent than their financially disadvantaged
counterparts residing in suburban areas. Their wealth enables them to explore premier destinations worldwide, including animal parks and animal orphanages. Consequently, the affluent can lead enhanced and healthier lifestyles.
The wealthy individuals have the financial means to purchase high-quality food and larger beds. They can also afford security services, allowing them to feel safer as they travel with armed security guards. Consequently, the rich are better protected by these guards in comparison to the poor who are without protection when walking the streets. The affluent often rely on fast food options, while the relatively poor tend to cook their own meals. Moreover, the wealthy are more willing to seek out and pay for products and services that enhance their happiness (Dutt, Amitava and Benjamin 144). As a result, the wealthy lead happier lives as they are less preoccupied with money.
The wealthy have the advantage of being able to enjoy luxurious vacations in costly destinations, which is not easily accessible to the poor. This privilege helps them avoid stress linked to finances. Moreover, affluent individuals can afford essential medical treatments and hire professionals to deal with challenges. They also tend to buy expensive items in order to keep up with their peers, resulting in the accumulation of assets.
With their wealth, the rich can intimidate those with less purchasing power and attract attention wherever they go. Because of their financial resources, they are less inclined to steal from the poor or public resources, opting instead for honest work to acquire more assets. However, despite being able to afford high-quality nutrition, the wealthy are more susceptible to lifestyle diseases. Unlike the poor, they are unlikely to find contentment
in simple joys of life. Consequently, doctors frequently prescribe multiple medications and impose dietary restrictions on these individuals (Hopson 145).
The idea that rich people can buy any type of food they want but may choose not to purchase their favorite meals due to dietary restrictions (such as avoiding fatty or sugary food) highlights a paradox. Meanwhile, poor individuals with limited purchasing power are less likely to suffer from lifestyle-related diseases. Consequently, their quality of life may be higher in comparison. However, the middle class, with the freedom to purchase their preferred foods without any restrictions, may enjoy better and ultimately happier lives. It is therefore misleading to argue that rich people are safer and happier solely due to their ability to hire more security.
The wealthy individuals have a greater concern for their safety, causing them to spend less time in public and limit their daily activities to ensure their security. Consequently, their freedom and routines are supervised by hired personnel tasked with providing protection. From this viewpoint, the affluent are essentially confined due to their financial status. Conversely, the less fortunate experience a greater sense of happiness as they face fewer security risks. They are not as likely to be targeted by individuals who covet their wealth.
Having money can attract a large crowd, but it does not guarantee happiness. Often, people are drawn to the wealthy person's resources, rather than forming genuine friendships. True friendship can be earned without relying on wealth. Even if the rich person receives financial assistance from others in their social circle, these individuals may abandon them if their social status changes. Thus, the wealthy individual will have to rely
on their true friends, who are often fewer in number than those who surround them solely for their wealth.
Due to the difficulty in differentiating between true and false friendships, the wealthy experience decreased happiness as they worry about investing in less genuine relationships. Although money can buy physical possessions, it does not hold value for intangible aspects that are immeasurable. Monetary wealth cannot procure a peaceful state of mind. Research suggests that extremely rich individuals often live unhappy lives (Thagard 130). In reality, amassing wealth frequently results in heightened financial stress. Affluent individuals typically have significant investments and are constantly anxious about potential losses in their portfolios.
Wealthy individuals, despite their concerns about losing money and their willingness to compromise health for financial gain, also prioritize investing in healthcare. The general perception is that rich people have better and happier lives due to their abundance of resources. However, it should be noted that while wealth allows them to purchase various products, it cannot buy genuine friendship or taste. Money does provide a sense of security but can also lead to feelings of insecurity. In contrast, individuals with less money are comparatively less worried about their security.
The text suggests that individuals may experience less worry about their investments and could potentially benefit from government social programs. It highlights the importance of money in life but also emphasizes that it is not a guaranteed path to happiness.
Works Cited
- Boniwell, Ilona. Positive Psychology in a Nutshell: A Balanced Introduction to the Science of Optimal Functioning. London: PWBC, 2006. Print.
- Dutt, Amitava K, and Benjamin Radcliff. Happiness, Economics and Politics: Towards a Multi-Disciplinary Approach. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar, 2009.
- Hopson, Barrie. Live Happier
the Ultimate Life Skill. S.l.: Lulu Com, 2012. Print.
Princeton, N.J: Princeton University Press, 2010. Print.
Weinstein, Netta. Human motivation and interpersonal relationships. London: Springer, 2014.
The text consists of two book information entries enclosed in a paragraph tag with intact. The first entry provides details about a book published by Princeton University Press in 2010 and available in print format. The second entry is about the book "Human Motivation and Interpersonal Relationships" written by Netta Weinstein and published by Springer in London in 2014.
