In an era marked by the growing materialistic values and career-driven individuals, people have diverse views as to whether acquiring fortune holds great significance as far as happiness is concerned. Whereas money can ensure a comfortable life in terms of meeting our basic needs and affording a healthy diet, I believe that social relationships and overall health have a more crucial role to play in reaching true happiness.
Granted, having enough money can be attributed to a decent life owing to the critical role it plays in fulfilling people’s basic needs. It allows them to afford stable housing, nutritious food, and have access to healthcare, thereby leading a happy life and eliminating the need for worrying about unexpected expenses or falling into debt. Beyond satisfying basic necessities, possessing a fortune enables individuals to build a secure future through which they can invest in acceptable education, save for emergency, plan for retirement, and create golden opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach, thus enhancing overall quality of life. Were it not for adequate financial resources, many would inevitably struggle to make ends meet, raise a family, ensure a better education, leading to mental instability, anxiety, and diminished self-worth.
Nonetheless, I would argue that non-materialistic factors including strong relationships and maintaining good mental and physical health remain paramount in the long run when it comes to achieving a sense of fulfilment since monetary incentives bring rather transitory pleasures. In a world where social comparison, isolation coupled with depression, and dissatisfaction with earning are dominating, having supportive family ties and close friendship provide emotional stability and anchor, and a sense of belonging that cannot be bought with money. When people are able to spend quality time with their loved ones and engage in meaningful conversations, carve out time to their social life rather than solely pursuing wealth, they are highly likely to cultivate deeper connections and achieve lasting happiness. Of equal significance is when they take care of their mental and physical well-being, as they are better equipped to handle stress and pursue meaningful goals contributing to long-term life satisfaction.
In sum, although financial security can make life more comfortable, it cannot define true happiness. In my view, intangible aspects of life, such as strong connections and overall health, do play a far more decisive role.