Is it better to be happy with just enough or is it better to have more?

Question

This is meant to be more of a reflection on life in general. Do you think the minimalist approach in life is a better option if you consider what the world is becoming?

Zack-Bann · Accepted Answer

By definition “wanting more” is the source of unhappiness

That being said I don’t think a humble and minimalistic life is emotionally rewarding either

For me at least, happiness comes from achievements and the results of my actions and decisions

So in a way I find myself chasing “more”
But I try my best not to be controlled by it

Just like the cautionary tale of Moby Dick, captain Ahab’s own obsession with catching the largest whale in history prevents his happiness and eventual gets him killed

Summeroflove · Accepted Answer

Look life is different for everyone. For everyone their life paths are different so what makes one person satisfied isn’t what makes another person. Also that can change over the years.

But there are people too that no matter what they are never happy at least not long term. They may think “well if I just had this I would be happy” and it will last a short while.

wynning · Accepted Answer

This is a weird metaphor/analogy for this but… I think it could be kinda like Tetris : the more rows you clear, the higher your score but also the faster it gets. And eventually it gets so fast you can’t keep up as easily anymore. So you’re that much more likely to slip up the more you keep going.
Happiness with just enough is sustainable in my opinion but if “more” is a moving target, and you don’t have enough for that happiness yet, maybe it’s not a bad idea to keeo going?

alli-112 · Accepted Answer

It's better to be happy period. It's generally not about stuff in my opinion, though having stuff you like can be a very happy thing. I think as long as you are not causing harm or existing in a way that your happiness is fully dependent on your things, then it's fine either way.

HawkPerception · Answer

A minimalist life is better. You don't need luxuries to be happy. However, having money to fall back on when shit hits the fan is always a plus.

It always goes back to Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. As long as your physiological and safety needs are taken care of, everything else can be handled without the use of luxuries. Love/belonging, esteem, and finally self actualization.

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

Acceptance and gratitude are the keys to happiness.

Nikki1989 · Answer

Whatever works for you.  The “better” option is the one that aligns with your values and genuinely leads you to a life of fulfillment, peace, and well-being. That is what we are all searching for at the end of the day.

Maybe_Maybe_not · Answer

It's not really that I think it's the better option, it's that I don't believe we can choose our life philosophy. As I believe this mental structure that we call philosophy of life is developed outside of our reach, under influence of so many things we don't and can't master. So I think we are chosen by this philosophy leading us, not the other way around.

SotiCoto · Answer

The former.
The less you can live comfortably with, the better.
Greed will always bring you into conflict with others, and conflict with others is best avoided.

There is another factor though: It isn't just about not getting things. People also need to be comfortable letting go of things they no longer need.

EmmaMary · Answer

Yet again @nikki1989 has summed this up in it's entirety. How about your goodself @thegreenyogi

Anonymous · Answer

Scientists have done studies on this actually. And it was determined that happiness increased with increased income up 75k a year. After that the graph flattened and there was no measurable increase after that.

This would suggest that money does not buy happiness beyond being able to pay your bills, having enough for leisure activities, and a little to tuck away for a rainy day.

***obvious this was not a worldwide study***.

DangerouslyCute · Answer

or you are happy or not... if you feel something is missing, go for it...

NathanDavis · Answer

for my particular circumstances... it does feel much better to have enough, and then some more because of the unexpected situations, for example... the previous pandemia

midnightmoon05 · Answer

I was very happy when I had nothing.  I was very happy when I had very little I am still very happy now that I have more than enough. Make sense?

Sunrising · Answer

The question is what is minimum for happiness? I think we should aim to be happy with what we have, and if we improve our standard of living all the better.

Shiprex · Answer

Being happy with what you have is a noble aspiration, but it's also changeable or evolutionary.

Aspirations are also able to provide happiness so more or different "stuff" being material or experience are just as valid.

slatyb · Answer

It's better to be happy with just enough. IIRC studies have shown that in the US after basic needs are secure (food, housing, medical care) additional money doesn't make people a lot happier.

Friendlybro79 · Answer

Being happy with less is always better. Material happiness only lasts a short while.

OneViewpoint · Answer

Yes, I've done it all and minimalism is the end result that makes sense.

talka20 · Answer

Its veryyyyyyy rare for peoppe to be happy with just enough... and its always better to have savings for any situation that life may put you in

Lynx122 · Answer

I think being happy with what you have is a better mental approach to life.

TheSpaceGnome · Answer

I'm a maximalist. Minimalism is horrible in my opinion.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

In my book, the more I have, the more I'm able to help others.

exitseven · Answer

It is always nice to have a little extra just in case

es20490446e · Answer

I prefer the minimum that works. Much less headaches.

In_Trance · Answer

Nobody needs more of anything.  Don't believe in the illusion of lack.  That only creates a scarcity mindset

Anonymous · Answer

If you have nothing, it's easier to be happy with just enough.  But if you have something, it's only natural you want to achieve more.

Likes2drive · Answer

If you have what you only need then it’s a lot easier to manage and but some people are just greedy

Dongie · Answer

Be happy with whatever you have or don't have. Then you're happy!

msc545 · Answer

You can't always get what you want but you can always get what you need.

wkhan_87 · Answer

It's called huminity ( satisfaction is more important than having a lot of sources and happiness)

Anonymous · Answer

if i did not read the details, i would say to have more

WonderingManII · Answer

Be happy with just enough.

beefcakebradybatson · Answer

Enough to get hot broads !!!

RedInnocent69 · Answer

More! More! More!

Is it better to be happy with just enough or is it better to have more?

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Is it better to be happy with just enough or is it better to have more?

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