I think personal satisfaction is very important. Most of us have been told since a young age the adage, “Money can’t buy happiness.” To me that didn’t make too much sense; I bet a starving man on the street living in a recycled box would love that $5 to buy some good eats (or booze). While I do see the point of the proverb, I did not think it was completely valid.

The Gallup Poll recently conducted a survey of over 1000 random Americans, over the age of 18. They concluded from the study that

“while money may not buy happiness, those with greater household incomes are more likely to report higher levels of personal satisfaction and happiness than those with less income.”

This made more sense to me than the proverb I had never trusted. While it is true that you may be a millionaire and find no joy in life, I think it’s the opportunities for happiness that are the key link. Yeah, call me shallow, but like Jim Young (the one played by Ben Affleck) said in Boiler Room, “They say money can’t buy happiness? Look at the fuckin’ smile on my face. Ear to ear, baby!”

More Than Half of Americans “Very Satisfied” With Personal Life from The Gallup Poll