The Happiness Money Brings for Everyone

By: Akeel Dixon

How much money would it take for you to be happy? For me, I would require around a billion dollars. While this comes off as greedy initially, I reassure you this money goes to everyone for happiness on my accord. Famous billionaire, Elon Musk, claims “Whoever said “money can’t buy happiness” really knew what they were talking about”. I theorize his rationale comes from the fact he spends money on himself, instead of bettering the world. Many people on Earth are struggling, and if billionaires thought of providing public facilities and resources such as wells, food banks, libraries, and schools, then maybe the happiness of those who struggle is worth millions. You could also spend money towards friends and family who have been in your life. Acts of kindness towards others are usually met with a smile that is worth more than what any billionaire would spend their money on.

The first thing I would do if I obtained an enormous amount of money, is buy tickets for my parents to go on a yacht or a Disney Vacation like they always wanted to do. If they would want to use it for something else I would just give them a certain amount of money that suits their tastes and the plans I have for my spending. My parents have spent tons of money for my health, education, and entertainment. If they’re willing to give me so much and ask for small things, I deserve to give them everything I can to make them happy. That is not to say my parents are sad or disappointed though, it is just that money has the potential to buy things to increase their happiness and in return, my happiness.

  Once I express gratitude towards my parents, I plan to give to the world. Funding charities is not what I intend to do because most of those donations go to funding staff and keeping the organization afloat, rather than supporting the struggling. Instead I would create institutions like libraries, schools, housing, and food kitchens. I know that many of these institutions would still require employment but they would be free and empower the struggling with providing opportunity. Many of the poor do not have money, but simply handing it over to them without the proper education sends them into a world they are unprepared for. I would create programs that can give them the proper education they need in the world so they will not be like a bird that fell out of its nest prematurely.

When I look at myself right now, I spend a lot of money on myself whenever I get the money to do so. I do not necessarily presume this is because I am selfish, rather it is more of the fact that I do not possess the funds to give to the world. If anything I am worried if these opportunities I might provide would be enough. The world is a scary place, who knows what could happen to the people I give to or what could happen to the world. Death, climate change, and our politics are instruments of chaos right now that are destroying our home at an alarming rate. It makes me wonder, “Is it too late to give those in poverty an opportunity?”. I believe that the answer is no but the thought still lingers in my head despite resistance. 

When it comes down to it, billionaires have the ability to do everything I planned. They could give money to loved ones and establish institutions for the enfranchisement of the people. But instead they do not, they ponder over the question “Can money buy happiness?” If only I had the funds to buy your happiness, so I could be happy for the equal opportunities we share.