Research of happiness typically discover a constructive correlation between earnings and subjective well-being. Put merely, wealthy individuals are typically happier than poor individuals.
In fact, correlation by itself doesn’t show causation. Prior to now, I’ve advised that the constructive correlation largely displays reverse causation. Completely happy personalities are prone to be extra motivated and able to incomes cash.
Lyman Stone just lately directed me to a examine displaying that genes linked to increased earnings are related to significantly better psychological well being.
The examine checked out two units of genes, one related to increased ranges of schooling and one other related to extra earnings for any given degree of schooling. (Presumably the latter are linked to different traits, resembling work ethic, self-control, ambition, charisma, prudence and different qualities which can be helpful in incomes extra money.)
To be clear, I’m not suggesting that cash has no influence on happiness. Somewhat, I imagine the influence is pretty small, and that a lot of the noticed correlation between wealth and happiness comes from the truth that sure varieties of persons are each extra prone to change into wealthy and extra prone to have completely satisfied personalities.
I’ve spent a number of years in every of the 5 main earnings quintiles, and I’ve by no means observed any influence on my happiness from shifting to a distinct earnings class. My happiness degree appears to replicate my innate persona, not my earnings.
PS. For many years, philosophers have debated the query of happiness. What’s it? At age 69, I really feel like I’ve lastly found the reply.