HSC English: Money Cannot Bring Happiness

Money Can't Buy Happiness: A Deep Dive for HSC English Students

The age-old adage "Money cannot buy happiness" is a recurring theme in literature, philosophy, and everyday conversations. It's a proverb you'll likely encounter in your HSC English studies, whether in essays, short stories, or even poetry analysis. While it might seem like a simple statement, the relationship between wealth and well-being is far more complex and nuanced than the proverb suggests. This blog post will delve into this topic, exploring the arguments for and against this saying, providing examples relevant to your HSC syllabus, and offering a balanced perspective.

Part 1: The Arguments For "Money Cannot Buy Happiness"

This side of the argument often focuses on the intrinsic aspects of happiness that are seemingly independent of material wealth. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

• Genuine Relationships: True friendships, loving family connections, and meaningful romantic relationships are built on trust, mutual respect, shared experiences, and emotional support. These bonds are formed through genuine human connection, not financial transactions. Money might facilitate some social interactions (e.g., fancy dinners, lavish parties), but it can't purchase genuine affection, loyalty, or empathy. In fact, wealth can sometimes hinder the formation of authentic relationships, as people may be unsure of others' motivations. Are they friends with you, or your money? This is a recurring theme in literature; consider the isolation of Gatsby in The Great Gatsby, despite his immense wealth.
• Inner Peace and Contentment: Happiness often stems from an internal state of peace, self-acceptance, and contentment with what one has. This inner peace is not dependent on external possessions. A person with modest means who has found purpose and meaning in their life can be far happier than a wealthy individual plagued by anxiety, insecurity, or a constant striving for "more." Think of the many philosophical and religious traditions (Buddhism, Stoicism, etc.) that emphasize detachment from material possessions as a path to enlightenment and inner peace.
• Personal Growth and Fulfillment: Achieving goals, overcoming challenges, learning new skills, and contributing to something larger than oneself are powerful sources of happiness. These experiences provide a sense of accomplishment, purpose, and self-worth that money cannot replicate. A struggling artist who finally completes their masterpiece, a volunteer who dedicates their time to helping others, a student who masters a difficult subject – these individuals experience a deep sense of fulfillment that is independent of their financial status.
• Good Health: While money can certainly improve access to healthcare, it cannot guarantee good health. Many health problems are influenced by genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors that are largely beyond the control of wealth. Moreover, the stress associated with accumulating and maintaining wealth can sometimes negatively impact health. Think of the "workaholic" stereotype, sacrificing their well-being for financial gain.
• Experiences vs. Possessions: Research increasingly shows that experiences (travel, concerts, learning a new skill) tend to bring longer-lasting happiness than material possessions. The joy of a new gadget fades relatively quickly (a phenomenon known as "hedonic adaptation"), while memories of meaningful experiences can provide lasting satisfaction and contribute to a richer sense of self.
• The Hedonic Treadmill: This psychological concept explains how we rapidly adapt to improved circumstances, including increased wealth. We quickly get used to a new level of luxury, and then we desire even more to achieve the same level of happiness. This creates a never-ending cycle of striving for more, often leading to dissatisfaction and a feeling of emptiness. The millionaire desires a yacht; the yacht owner desires a private island. The pursuit never ends.

Part 2: The Arguments Against "Money Cannot Buy Happiness" (or, the Nuances)

While the points above are compelling, it's crucial to acknowledge the nuances and the ways in which money can contribute to well-being, at least indirectly. Completely dismissing the role of money in happiness would be simplistic and inaccurate.

• Meeting Basic Needs: Poverty and financial insecurity are significant sources of stress and unhappiness. Money, up to a certain point, does buy happiness by providing access to basic necessities like food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and education. When these fundamental needs are met, people have the mental and emotional space to pursue other sources of fulfillment. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs illustrates this beautifully – physiological and safety needs must be met before higher-level needs like belonging and self-actualization can be addressed.
• Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Financial stability can significantly reduce stress related to bills, debt, and the fear of unexpected expenses. This reduction in stress can have a positive impact on mental and physical health, creating a foundation for greater happiness.
• Providing Opportunities: Money can open doors to experiences and opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. This includes travel, education, personal development courses, and access to cultural events. These experiences can enrich life, broaden perspectives, and contribute to overall well-being.
• Facilitating Generosity: Money allows individuals to be more generous and charitable. Giving to others, whether through donations or acts of kindness, has been shown to increase happiness levels. This aligns with the concept of "prosocial spending" – using money to benefit others.
• Buying Time: Wealth can allow people to "buy time" by outsourcing tasks they dislike (e.g., cleaning, cooking, commuting). This frees up time for activities that bring them joy and fulfillment, such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in personal growth.
• Security and Freedom: Having a financial safety net provides a sense of security and freedom from worry about the future. This allows individuals to take risks, pursue their passions, and make choices that align with their values, without being solely driven by financial constraints.

Part 3: Examples from Literature and Life (HSC Relevance)

To strengthen your understanding and prepare for your HSC English exams, consider these examples:

• The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald): Gatsby's immense wealth allows him to throw extravagant parties and pursue his dream of winning back Daisy, but it ultimately fails to bring him genuine happiness or love. His wealth is a tool, but it's a tool that cannot fix the fundamental problems in his life.
• A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens): Ebenezer Scrooge is a wealthy but miserly man who is deeply unhappy. His transformation comes not from acquiring more wealth, but from embracing generosity, compassion, and human connection.
• Death of a Salesman (Arthur Miller): Willy Loman's pursuit of the "American Dream" of financial success leads to his disillusionment and ultimately his demise. He equates worth with wealth, and when he fails to achieve his materialistic goals, he feels like a failure.
• Poems about Nature and Simplicity: Many poems (e.g., by Wordsworth, Tagore) celebrate the beauty of nature and the simple joys of life, suggesting that true happiness is found not in material possessions but in appreciating the world around us.
• Real-Life Examples: Consider the stories of lottery winners who end up miserable, or celebrities who struggle with addiction and depression despite their fame and fortune. Conversely, think of individuals who live modest but fulfilling lives, dedicated to their families, communities, or passions.
• The Happy Cobbler and the Banker (A Story for Completing):

This story, often presented in HSC English "Completing Story" sections, beautifully demonstrates the pitfalls of equating money with happiness.

There lived a happy cobbler who passed his days working and singing from morning till night. A rich neighbour of his was a banker who one day said to him, "How much a year do you earn?" The cobbler replied. "I earn enough to make both ends meet." "I am sorry for that. You must be living in great distress," said the banker. "But I am used to this sort of life and I am happy," said the cobbler.

The next day the rich banker again came to visit the cobbler. He came with ten thousand taka in a bag. He said to him, "Look, my friend! I've brought ten thousand taka for you. Keep this money and remove your distress." The cobbler was greatly surprised. At first, he refused to take the money. The rich man told him that he could use the money in times of difficulties. The cobbler took the bag of money from the rich man and thanked him. Now a new issue of anxiety took hold of the cobbler. He said to himself, "Ten thousand taka is a lot of money." He could not think where to keep the money. He did not find any safe place to keep the bag. He dug a hole in his hut and kept the money there. But he always thought that his money could be stolen any time. This anxiety kept him awake and his sleep fled away at night. He even could not devote himself to his work. As a result, his life became more miserable. Peace and happiness vanished from his life. The cobbler gradually realized that he had money, but no peace of mind.

Completing the Story (Possible Endings - Choose the best fit for your style):

• Ending 1 (Direct and Moralistic): Realizing his mistake, the cobbler returned the money to the banker. He explained that the money had brought him nothing but worry and sleepless nights. He preferred his simple, joyful life, even with its financial limitations. The banker, initially surprised, learned a valuable lesson about the true source of happiness.
• Ending 2 (More Nuanced): The cobbler struggled with his anxiety for weeks. He tried to spend the money, but found no joy in the purchases. He realized that his happiness had come from his craft and the simple rhythm of his life. He decided to use the money to help others in his community, setting up a small fund to assist those in need. This act of generosity brought him a sense of purpose and restored his peace of mind, proving that money's use, not its possession, held the key to well-being.
• Ending 3 (Open and thought provoking):

  One day, the cobbler sat by his workbench, the untouched bag of money beside him. He looked at his worn tools, the half-finished shoes, and listened to the birds singing outside his window. He thought of his songs, his simple meals, and the friendly greetings of his neighbors. He picked up his hammer and began to work, a slow smile spreading across his face. He made a decision. He would... (This ending leaves it open for the student to decide the cobbler's action, fostering critical thinking.)

• Ending 4 (with dialogue): The cobbler went to the banker.

“Sir,” he said, returning the bag, “I thank you for your kindness, but this money has stolen my sleep and my song. I was poor but happy; now I am rich and miserable.” The banker, taken aback, asked, “But surely, you can use this money to improve your life?” The cobbler shook his head. "My life was already good, sir. It was I who was foolish enough to think it needed improving with riches." He went back to singing and cobbling.

Analysis for HSC:

• Theme: The story directly addresses the theme of "Money cannot buy happiness." It shows how material wealth can disrupt inner peace and contentment.
• Character Development: The cobbler undergoes a significant change. He starts as happy and carefree, becomes anxious and worried, and then (depending on your chosen ending) finds a resolution that reaffirms his original values.
• Irony: The banker intends to help the cobbler, but his "gift" actually makes the cobbler's life worse. This is an example of situational irony.
• Moral Lesson: The story teaches a clear moral lesson about the importance of appreciating what one has and not equating wealth with happiness.
• Symbolism: The money can be considered the symbol of greed. The songs can be the symbol of a happy life.

Part 4: A Balanced Perspective: The Sweet Spot

The relationship between money and happiness is not a simple either/or proposition. It's more accurate to say that money can contribute to happiness up to a certain point – primarily by meeting basic needs and providing a sense of security. Beyond that point, the correlation weakens significantly.

The "sweet spot" likely lies in finding a balance:

• Financial Security, Not Extravagance: Having enough money to live comfortably and securely without constant financial stress is crucial. However, endlessly chasing after more wealth is unlikely to lead to lasting happiness.
• Experiences Over Possessions: Prioritizing experiences and personal growth over material acquisitions is a more reliable path to well-being.
• Purpose and Meaning: Finding purpose and meaning in life, whether through work, relationships, or contributing to something larger than oneself, is essential.
• Gratitude and Contentment: Cultivating gratitude for what one has, rather than focusing on what one lacks, is a key ingredient for happiness.
• Strong Social Connections: Nurturing genuine relationships with family and friends provides a strong foundation for emotional well-being.

Conclusion: A Question of Values

Ultimately, the question of whether money can buy happiness is less about money itself and more about values. If your primary focus is on accumulating wealth and material possessions, you're likely to be disappointed. However, if you use money as a tool to support a life aligned with your values – a life filled with purpose, meaning, genuine connection, and personal growth – then it can certainly contribute to your overall well-being. The key is to remember that money is a means to an end, not the end itself. True happiness comes from within, and it's cultivated through how we choose to live our lives, regardless of our bank balance. This is a message that resonates throughout literature and life, making it a crucial topic for exploration in your HSC English studies. Remember to analyze texts with this complex relationship in mind, and you'll be well-equipped to tackle any question related to wealth, happiness, and the human condition.