“Does money make you happy?” – an age-old question that has been the staple of many philosophical debates, with both factions presenting enough points to justify their statement. While there is no clear answer to the question, bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger recently presented a valid argument for the same in his recent newsletter. Schwarzenegger, who has built a wealthy empire today, looks at it objectively and tells the benefits and shortcomings of both sides i.e. the one with money and unhappy and the one without money but happy.
In the recent edition of his newsletter, ‘The Pump Daily’, Arnold Schwarzenegger explores four topics. “Remembering a Legend” i.e. Joe Weider, “The health industry’s dirty little secret”, “The number you won’t forget” (which is ‘one’ as one night’s sleep lost will cost heavily), and finally “Does money = happiness”. Schwarzenegger uses his vast personal experience with science-backed data to present arguments for the latter.
That money makes life easier is not up for debate, believes Arnold Schwarzenegger
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The question, with its various intricacies, has been discussed at every corner of a gathering, in schools, colleges, etc. And it always ends up with a similar outcome – two different factions agreeing on each side. People without money inevitably think that those with it will never understand daily struggles like paying bills, chores, etc. On the other side, wealthy people insist that their problems are just as important and pertinent as others, only different.
Citing a study of more than 33,000 people, Schwarzenegger writes, “happiness continues to increase upwards of $200,000 per year”. But this recent study stands in contradiction to one from years ago which said, “but it does not make you happier beyond earning $75,000 per year”. With this interesting turnaround in the behavioral aspect of common folk, Schwarzenegger states the obvious fact – “Money is a privilege and that means less stress”.
Money brings a lot of comfort to most people’s life. But is it the same as happiness? Does it bring genuine joy to someone, and if so, then is it the only source of it?
Schwarzenegger believes there’s more to life than just money
Schwarzenegger takes a subtle approach to negate the argument for ‘money equals happiness’. A definitive purpose is required in life to find true happiness. Sometimes the act of giving, kindness, and generosity can fetch a bundle of joy to someone’s life. The 7-time Mr. Olympia knows people on both sides, rich, grumpy, angry men as well as joyous and happy men with modest earnings.
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The Austrian Oak’s purpose in life has been clear. Arnold despite being worth $450 million, prefers communicating without a cell phone in today’s day and world. He is happy to have reached this stage in his life with innumerable accomplishments. But the Austrian Oak also recalls his bricklaying days with Franco Columbo and his training tutorials to “Special Olympic Athletes” in Wisconsin which gave him immense joy. He said, “I’m talking pure joy. I sat there and thought, ‘Why am I so happy?’… I’d given back. I felt useful. That’s true happiness”.
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