Many people know that experiences will make them happier, and yet they continue to spend money on material objects because of their perceived greater value.
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It has been shown by a recent study from San Francisco State University that greater happiness comes from seeking experiences, rather than material objects. Although this may seem like common sense to many readers, reality paints another picture – one in which people most often spend their money on material items because they mistakenly believe that they have greater value.People do this because material items are tangible; they have measurable economic value attached to it; and they're always present, able to be used or seen. Memories of experiences, on the other hand, are fleeting experiences, temporary purchases with no concrete price tag.
And yet, people are never as happy in the long run after spending money on material items than they are after forking out for adventures, travel, and experiences.
Camping out on top of the 15th guard tower on the Simatai stretch of the Great Wall of China and waking up the next morning at the very top of the clouds, the guard towers peeking through, and the sunrise casting everything in golden light and rainbows, was one of the happiest moments of my life. On the other hand, my last laptop, a real Thinkpad, was like an extension of my body and made me feel happy and productive every day for years. So is it really that things can't make you as happy as experiences, or that meaningless consumption of meaningless things can't make you happy?
(Score: 5, Interesting) by MichaelDavidCrawford on Sunday June 28 2015, @03:28AM
owner of a hedge fund I one consulted for. He was bitterly unhappy despite being the richest person I am ever likely to meet.
His objective was to make five times as much money as he possessed when we first met.
I dint see what good it could possibly do him.
For me my happiest moment was when a wild ocelot ran up to me in belize. i swept it up in my arms but grew concerned when it started growling and nipping my neck with its fangs but then realized only housecats can purr. i cuddled him for a while then he wanted down and trootted merrily away.
Yes I Have No Bananas. [gofundme.com]