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The ‘Happiness Plateau’ does not exist
The idea that money can buy only so much happiness is not supported by the data on wealth, personal well-being and overall life satisfaction.
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There is overwhelming evidence that up to a certain point greater average wealth produces greater average well-being.
PHOTO: UNSPLASH
DeeperDive is a beta AI feature. Refer to full articles for the facts.
Adrian Wooldridge
The idea that money can’t buy you happiness is one of the world’s most persistent tropes. King Midas is granted his wish that everything he touches will turn to gold, only to starve to death. Jay Gatsby finds that money cannot buy him Daisy’s love.
The acclaimed TV series Succession proved to be so popular not just because it is so cleverly written, but also because it dwells on the misery of the super rich. The Roy children may live in a world of private planes, luxury yachts and subdued designer clothing, but their personal lives are marinated in toxicity. Better to be a happy peasant than Kendall Roy.
