Money Can’t Buy Happiness, Or Maybe It Can?

 Since youth we have always been taught, “Money can’t buy happiness.” However, recently, I realized that may not be true. Let me explain.

Harvard University business professor Michael Norton was conducting a study of people’s spending habits. He took a group of 16 employees from the same company who were going to receive a bonus of $5,000. However, before receiving the cash bonus, Norton asked the group to rate their levels of happiness. After handing the participants their bonus, Norton followed up with numerous questions trying to determine exactly how each one would spend their special gift. Finally, Norton asked the group to again rate their levels of happiness.

The results were astounding. The individuals that spent even a portion of their money helping out other people, or giving towards charity, experienced a higher level of happiness than those who spent it entirely on themselves. He noticed that the increase in happiness was directly correlated to the amount that was given towards others.

The fact that giving others, helping another human being, increases happiness should come as no surprise. The Rambam teaches a fascinating halachah. On the holiday of Purim there are several mitzvot that we are obligated to perform: reading the megillah, eating a Purim seudah (meal), distributing mishloach manot (packages to friends), and giving matanot l’evyonim (charity to the poor). The Rambam asks, if a person is able to accomplish all of these mitzvot and still has extra money to use for a solitary mitzvah, which good deed takes precedence? The sage answers that a person should use that extra money for matanot l’evyonim.

Why? The Rambam expounds: “Because, there is no greater simchah in the world, no greater cause of happiness to a person then when they go out of their way and lift up the spirits of the poor and the brokenhearted.”

Believe it or not, the way to develop real happiness is not by taking more for yourself, rather by giving more to others. The Rambam elaborates, when a person becomes a giver and lifts others with a heartfelt boost, then in turn they are emulating the ways of Hashem Himself.

The Alter of Slabodka relates when Avraham Avinu was analyzing the world, he noticed all the good that exists. Avraham recognized all the complex, intricate, and beautiful detail that Hashem created in the world coming to one bottom line understanding “Olam chesed yiboneh,” Hashem built the world on kindness. It seemed to Avraham that chesed is the pillar of everything. In turn, when a person is able to give of themselves to another, when they can cheer up someone else, then they are connecting with their spiritual side, clinging to Hashem’s ways. That spiritual harmony is what brings us true happiness.

Oftentimes, when a person feels down, upset, or is bothered, it is very hard to be a giver, and that is completely normal. Nonetheless, we must remember this life altering lesson, the way for a person to truly be happy is by giving to others.

At the end of the day, money can buy happiness! When we utilize our resources (not just money), talents and energy to help out others, and inspire our brothers and sisters, then we are actually purchasing our happiness. Once we comprehend this thought, then not only will we be providing kindness for others, but we will be doing the ultimate kindness for ourselves by providing the greatest gift of all, true happiness. ----

Rabbi Yaakov Moskowitz is a motivational speaker who has inspired Jews around the world through his engaging lectures and videos on a wide array of practical Jewish topics. To receive Rabbi Moskowitz’s short clips, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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Rabbi Yaakov Moskowitz is a motivational speaker who has inspired Jews around the world through his engaging lectures and videos on a wide array of practical Jewish topics. To receive Rabbi Moskowitz’s short clips, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..