Harrison West

UWRT-1102 (29)
February 2nd, 2016
Double Entry Journal
Citation:
Lyubormisky, Sonja. "How Happy Are You and Why?" 2015. Pursuing Happiness: A
Bedford Spotlight Reader. Place of Publication Not Identified: Bedford Bks St Martin'S, 2015.
179-96. Print.

Source: Quote (Page# or Paragraph #)

Responses

Im quite happy with my lot. Im a happy

chappy. I can make any situation happy. You
dont have to have money to be happy. pg
165

I think Nicholsons statement is interesting

because it comes from someone whos had it
all and lost it all. That must certainly put
things into perspective for her. If anyone has
a clear view of happiness I think it would be
her.

In short, this research indicates that,

overall, being extraordinarily poor has a
negative influence on happiness, but that
some very poor are, in fact, somewhat
satisfied, and even extremely poor people
are not usually not depressed. Pg 167

I think that some very poor people especially

in poorer countries maybe dont realize that
they are very poor. Its possible theyve never
left their home and seen higher income living.
If everyone around you is poor then to you
youre the same as everyone else.

the two American samples were, on

average, slightly dissatisfied with their lives,
while their Indian counterparts were mildly
satisfied. Pg 167

This has to do with the dilemma of the

American dream. We all have this sense that
through hard work and determination we can
become successful, even a millionaire. This
leaves us with a sense that we arent living up
to our potential, always wanting more. In
reality very few make it to that level of
success and its harder than just working
hard.

And what of rich people who are unhappy?

pg 169

I know a few people who are rich that are

unhappy. Most of the time its because they
are alone. If you have money whats the point
without someone to share it with.

what matters more is that your income is

I think this is the key to happiness in its raw

sufficient for your desires. Pg 170

form. The problem is were exposed to things

that make our desires higher everyday.
Maybe thinking rationally like is owning a
BMW possible and acceptance of reality is
maybe a better solution.

How happy are materialists? pg 172

I feel bad for true materialists. The thought of

money being the source of happiness is
through physical things sounds awful.

The happiness of materialists can suffer

because their pursuit of money distracts
from other important aspects of life, such as
relationships. Pg 173

I feel as if relationships at least to me are the

most important aspect of a persons
happiness. I think humans arent meant to be
solitary and alone, we crave relationships by
nature. A relationship could be as simple as a
strong work relationship or family, not
necessarily a romantic relationship. Money
doesnt bring people comfort.

Does money buy happiness? pg 167

I think this is the main question of the whole

article. For me money doesnt buy happiness
but it can buy things that make you happy
and can also bring upon unhappiness. I think
its all in how you use money. Money doesnt
buy your happiness in life though. Theres a
difference between happiness in life and
feeling happy.

Is it a necessity or a curse? pg 161

This made me think about along with the

section on lottery winners by own plan I have
if I won. Firstly I wouldnt tell a sole, then Id
probably move away, and honestly try to live
as if I had never won. Its sad to think about. I
dont know whats worse, me not trusting in
my friends to not change or the inevitably of
the lust for money of people.

But what does the evidence say about how

money affects psychological wealth?

I dont know if this is what they meant here

but to me it made me think that all wealth is
relative. If everyone I knew had less than me
then Id be perceived as wealthy to him or
her. Wealth is more than a dollar figure. Their
perceptions of me could be the same as the
perceptions and presumptions I have of
millionaires now.

Believing Game
My problem is that I agreed with everything that was being said and honestly thought anyone
that believed money was the key to happiness was dumb. I agreed with the point that being
materialistic is harmful to ones happiness because causes money to be the sole focus of
someones life, which takes away other aspects that could make them happy. I dont think that
its actually their lack of relationships and that sort that causes them to be happy, but more of the
dilemma of always wanting more, that things will never be enough. Sources of happiness can
be anything and different between people. If money is someones genuine source of happiness
then why should we suppress those beliefs and make them feel lesser.