Happiness – Anything Over $12,000 Can't Buy It

By: Ugur Akinci
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:40:02
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

According to a recent study conducted by Richard Layard of London School of Economics, wealth above $12,000 dollars does not necessarily increase one's happiness and contentment in life.

Between 1958 and 1987, average income in Japan increased by 500%. But the surveys did not reveal a corresponding increase in level of individual happiness in Japan.

Remember the Beatles song “Can't Buy Me Love”?

And here is a story I heard many years ago when I was in college:

A billionaire CEO goes to a tiny little fishing village in the middle of nowhere for his vacation.

As he is walking on the pier of this poor but beautiful village, he comes across an old guy with tattered shoes and pants, who is sitting there with a bamboo rod in his hand and humming to himself in a reverie.

“How many fishes you've caught today?” the CEO asked.

“None,” shrugged the poor fisherman.

“Well, I think it's your primitive tackle. If you had a better fishing rod you could've caught a lot of fish.”

“So? Then what would I do?” the guy asked.

“Well, you could eat all you want and then send the left overs to the nearest city and you could sell them over there.”

“So? Then what?”

“Then with the money you make you could retire early,” continued the CEO, very sure of his train of thought.

“Then what?” the poor fisherman insisted.

“Then when you retire early, you could indulge in any leisurely activity you wish.”

“Like what?”

“Why, wishing of course!”

“And what the hell you think I'm doing here all year long?” asked the poor fisherman.

Money is great up to a certain point. Just make sure it does not take over your life and dangle false goals before your eyes.

Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a Creative Copywriter, Editor, an experienced and award-winning Technical Communicator specializing in fundraising packages, direct sales copy, web content, press releases, movie reviews and hi-tech documentation. He has worked as a Technical Writer for Fortune 100 companies for the last 7 years.

In addition to being an Ezine Articles Expert Author, he is also a Senior Member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), and a Member of American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI).

He is dispensing million-dollar plot ideas on a daily basis at his screenwriting blog SCRIPT BOILER (http://scriptboiler.blogspot.com).

You are most welcomed to visit his official web site http://www.writer111.com for more information on his multidisciplinary background, writing career, and client testimonials. While at it, you might also want to check the latest book he has edited, PRIVATE TUTOR FOR SAT MATH SUCCESS 2006: http://www.lulu.com/content/263630

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Happiness category

  • The Art of True Happiness - 5 Simple Tips To Live By - By: Burt Goldman
    The pursuit of happiness may be mankind's favourite pastime, but surprisingly few people know real happiness when they see it. Discover the 5 rules that truly happy people live by, and how you can implement them in your life.
  • Improve Your Psychological Health Using Subliminal Techniques - By: Evgheny Stivenson
    The article describes subliminal techniqies that can be used for self-help and personal development. You can improve self esteem, build confidence, overcome anxiety, become more sexually attractive with subliminal messages.
  • Reiki Abundance and Prosperity - By: Cristian Stan
    Everyone deserves to be happy. In fact, this can only happen when there is abundance and prosperity which happen to be the basic principles of Reiki.
  • Divorce Recovery: Beware Expectations! - By: Shelley Stile
    In a nutshell, expectations are premeditated resentments and disappointments. They are self-sabotaging beliefs we hold that literally set us up to feel bad and keep us stuck in the pain of our divorce. They are in direct conflict with how the world actually works and are based on the phrase, 'should be'. In order to let go of the pain of our divorce, we must let go of impossible expectations.
  • If it Makes you Happy, it can't be that Bad - By: Sandra Prior
    Next time you're feeling low, have a little of what you fancy and ditch the guilt. It can be good for you.
  • Hypnosis Audio CD Program - By: Crizza Reyes
    There are so many people offering a hypnosis CD or hypnosis audio programs. Statistics show that more and more people are looking for ways to feel better, be healthier and have a calm mind.
  • Baby Boomers Can Develop More Self-Confidence with These 5 Tips - By: Cynthia Barnett
    Baby Boomers who are feeling some uncertainty and anxiety about the future as retirees can develop more self-confidence about the future and the present with these tips from a leading retirement lifestyle coach.
  • Body Image and Self-Esteem - By: Jennifer Yates
    A closer look at the underlying causes of women's preoccupation with their bodies. How a negative body image affect self-esteem. What you can do to help increase self-worth.
  • Detach, Decide and Relax - By: Seth Manne
    FUN LAW OF ATTRACTION VIDEO EXERCISE. Author Seth Manne talks about an exercise for achieving happiness and being able to quickly manifested your desires
  • 10 Habits of Highly Effective Baby Boomers - By: Cynthia Barnett
    Learn how to make the rest of your life the best of your life with these critical tips from a leading retirement lifestyle expert. With these tips, you can enjoy a second phase of life (after retirement) that will be fulfilling, happy and exciting.