6 Comments
User's avatar
Mike T's avatar

My late dad always said, money can't buy happiness, but it let's you choose your own

form of misery.

Expand full comment
Who is John Galt?'s avatar

In today's society people are more concerned about telling others that they have/had the luxury item than any true satisfaction they get from the item. Totally agree with the steak & Camry examples and would add that most satisfaction from the 'BMW' is short term then you move on to something else.

Expand full comment
John Hawkins's avatar

You know, there's a really helpful exercise I have recommended that everyone do for quite a while. Imagine that you are given infinite money. Elon level money -- and that your family and friends are all going to be occupied for a year playing with things you bought for them, the kids are in special schools, your spouse is living their dream. After taking an awesome vacation, what do you do for the next year?

I was thinking about that today and there were SOME things that would change. I might have Caesar Milan train my dog. I might get expensive apartments in some of my favorite cities, Manhattan, Las Vegas and San Francisco and travel there by private jet whenever I took a notion. I'd get a nicer house with a gym, a pool and staff.....but all in all, it just wouldn't change all that much and the things it did change, probably wouldn't be big movers in the happiness department. Like, if I'm between a 7.5 and 8 right now, even everything I could buy with a billion dollars wouldn't move me to an 8.5.

Expand full comment
Who is John Galt?'s avatar

100% agree. May have some different experiences (traveling to see sports & music) but after that I don't feel like "stuff" would change my contentment. Perhaps if a new iPhone came out...... jk!

Expand full comment
Jay's avatar

It's almost like you are describing the law of diminishing returns!

Expand full comment
HUMDEEDEE's avatar

Wisdom in your words. Expected nothing else🙌

Expand full comment