Is money and wealth worthless if they can't bring happiness nor cure illnesses?

[Anonymous]

My friend inherited her late paternal grandfather's house and several of his assets. Her parents (she's their only child) are already wealthy themselves. Before the will was done, her father preferred his dad to place most of his wealth under her name instead. Her grandfather was 78 when he died of cancer.

She already underwent other hardships and now with her grandpa's death, she feels so miserable, sad and angry. Her own words were ''What the hell am I going to do with his money? Fuck wealth. I want my grandpa back''.

She had a point though. Even Robin Williams committed suicide regardless of his wealth. Is money and wealth worthless if they can't bring happiness nor cure illnesses?

[Anonymous]

First we must all realize this life is finite. Money doesn’t change that fact. Money can bring happiness in certain ways. I am not talking about $1,000 hotel rooms and expensive champagne in restaurants… that’s a fun experience but not happiness.

My pet was very recently, last week, given 1-6 months to live. I am looking into an operation on the other side of the world to see if I can change that given that I have the money. That would make me very happy but I know that will only be a delay of some years as my pet is older and as I said life is finite.

Your friend can support a family in a poor country as I have for many years. That makes me happy. I support a children's hospital which also makes me happy.

I buy things for some other people that overcome hurdles in their lives such as paying off the utility bills so they don't have that worry while they are in a messy divorce or pay a large medical bill for someone else that they had to put in a high interest credit card. Making a positive difference in someone else’s life makes me happy. Just do it and then step back out of their life or back to where you were in it.

Showing up at a food bank with hundreds of pounds of food makes me happy, especially when they ask which organization donated the food… its just my wife’s and I Christmas present to each other as we have everything we want already. Giving critical items to homeless people has made me happy as well, now these are people who want to be living outside and won’t be looking for an apartment which we found surprising. These things make me happy and they cost less than about $100k USD in total.

[RingOfFire]

Coming from a wealthy family and being wealthy myself I can verify that money is not the source of happiness in life. I know lots of miserable wealthy people and some happy poor people. Happiness is about close connections and loving relationships, not money. Humans are social creatures and need social connections with others. Money is just a tool to make life more comfortable. It cannot not replace relationships.

Having said all of that, I understand that the loss of her grandfather is the primary thought in her mind now. But that will ease as time goes by. And it doesn't mean that she won't get value from the money later to make her life more comfortable and secure. It won't buy happiness, but that doesn't mean it is worthless. Comfort has a place in life too.

[kylee2437]

See the problem with America is the government conditioned us to believe money equals all happiness , when in reality you can live an average life/be semi poor and still be happier than rich folks. It really depends. Money only contributes to materialistic happiness and stability depending.


Overall I think it depends on what you are looking for out of life.

[WhitneySnow]

I totally agree with her about her grandpa but wealth is still useful. It’s just limited in what it can do.

[NamerOfStars]

By that logic, what's the worth of ANYTHING? Could grandpa cure HER illnesses?

Money's just money, and its only rule value is in what it can get you. But don't go thinking it's useless just because it's not perfect.

[exitseven]

I do know a few wealthy people. For the most part they are pretty happy but I can understand that money cannot buy happiness and that if you don't have your health then the rest does not matter.

[Astarlessnightsky]

Yes. Its only worth is to be spent for goods and fullfill your needs.

[ChiTown33]

Money is a tool, nothing more. No money cannot buy happiness. But it can assist in the alleviation of much suffering.

[BobLouis]

Not having any money will increase your unhappiness.

[jahaims]

Money can cure illness and make people happy. What are you on about