Wealth and happiness

Having more wealth does not translate to a corresponding increase in happiness. Economist Richard Easterlin came to this conclusion after examining the trajectory of economic growth and well-being in nations that measured growth with GDP. This has come to be called the Easterlin Paradox. When the economic disparity between rich and poor people is wider, there is less chance of growth in happiness. This could be because sharing wealth often creates greater well-being, leading to greater happiness for all people, whereas when wealth is concentrated among a few and the majority remain in want, there is overall unhappiness.

Sharing financial wealth is one thing, but the other, more-talked- about aspects of sharing are about sharing joy and misery. Some say that talking about your problems could lessen your burden, but that is not always the case; you may end up causing distress to others than reducing your own misery. In the case of joy and happiness, the obverse is true. Sharing happiness can only generate more happiness and joy, and it spreads like wildfire.

While sharing your sadness can be therapeutic and useful as a way to vent your anguish, sharing your good feelings is likely to create more opportunities for pulling yourself out of your sadness and it could make others happy as well. Wealth sharing is a creative pursuit and it will have a domino effect; for it contributes to making life more beautiful and joyous. And the one who shares happiness is bound to enhance overall well-being.