These two articles caught my attention recently. The first I first heard discussed on NPR; here is a blurb in Scientific America. Basically researchers found that “money can buy happiness” only on one condition–if you give it away. The second was the NY Times op ed piece about the modern do-gooder, namely the social entrepreneur, which referenced my employer, Ashoka, to start the conversation. Now I’ll go on a couple tangents–
Some may hear that first finding and think that they should go chasing after money with the intention of giving it away after they’ve accumulated it but I think that is a faulty and dangerous interpretation. (This happens to be a view I believe is quite common in my own cultural community, particularly along the Watsatch Front). Although the intent-to-do-good motive is the only justifiable reason for pursuing wealth, doing so in the mode of pursuing wealth now with the intent to give later is dangerous. If you cannot give when you have little then I will predict, and the data supports it, you will not give as readily if you do become wealthy. As wealth accumulates so do appetites and the ability to consume.
It is interesting that the study was conducted giving $5 and $20 donations, which is a small price for happiness and very much in the budget of every individual especially if it is truly a sacrifice and not just a skim off the excess.
Perhaps psychiatrists should consider prescribing gift cards to Global Giving instead of packets of pills.
Could giving be somehow measured into the GNH Gross National Happiness.
Now that you want to give away your money, who should you give it to?
I think there is a strong argument for the answer being found in the second article.
I will remember him for his optimism, his constant challenge to be, to be a little better than you were before. I will remember when the doctors told him to start carrying a cane, he literally started carrying around, not using for support, his cane. I will remember his wit and ease to laughter. I will miss his matter-of-fact style of speaking at General Conferences, particularly in Priesthood session. I will remember the change in demeanor that came over those that interacted with him, including gruff reporters like Mike Wallace and Larry King. I will remember him for his great concern for the international membership of the church, he traveled far and wide to be with the Saints, he personally drew up the blueprints for smaller temples bringing the temple blessings to the isolated and distant members, he instituted the perpetual education fund to primarily support returned missionaries from poor countries. I will remember his hand gestures at the pulpit and the little wave he would give to congregations that stood longing to be in his presence a little longer. I will remember that kind pure look in his eyes, seemingly hidden behind a wrinkly face. I will remember the tenderness he showed his wife as he accompanied her to and from the stand in the Marriott Center. I will remember his forthrightness in speaking out against pornography, abuse, and the mistreatment of women. I will remember him pronouncing the word “wonderful”. I will remember the talk he gave called My Testimony. I will remember him as a leader that everyone adored and were extremely proud to be associated with. I will remember him with tenderness. I pray that I never forget the influence he has had on my life for good.
