Understanding the Pursuit of Happiness: Why a $55K Salary Feels Adequate
Many individuals are driven by the pursuit of more wealth, yet some find a $55,000 yearly salary more than sufficient. At 25 years old, the author enjoys a life filled with new experiences and meaningful connections, valuing happiness over monetary accumulation.
Finding Fulfillment in Chosen Interests
Instead of chasing money, one of the most effective ways to lead a content life is to immerse oneself in a dramatically loved skill. This dedication promises not only happiness but also the financial benefits that come later.
The Role of Money in Life
Money provides the necessities for life, including food, shelter, and healthcare, as well as goods and services that enhance the quality of life. While gaining financial stability is important, the desire for more can often lead to a relentless pursuit of monetary growth that overlooks personal happiness.
The Hidden Drivers of the Money Chase
The modern world is intricately designed to exploit human motivations for wealth. Industrial complexes, including financial institutions, create a system where wealth is generated through lending practices. While the ideal is to lend money for productive purposes, the reality can be quite different.
Fiat money, which is created through the process of lending, can lead to inflation as the supply of money exceeds the valued goods and services. This constant rise in prices keeps people on a never-ending treadmill of consumption to stay ahead. This phenomenon, referred to as the Cantillon Effect, highlights how the system can work against the wage-earning class and favor asset-holders.
Marketing and Entertainments in the Money Chase
Modern advertisements and entertainment are crafted to enhance desires for consumption. Through endlessly advertised goods and services, people are tempted to spend more, often driven by the unconscious triggers activated by advertisement and entertainment. These mediums attempt to align viewers with a set of ideas, making them dissatisfied with their current situation.
The exposure to countervailing world views through entertainment can create dissonance, which in turn triggers an unconscious response leading to a need for relief. This relief is often found in buying more goods and services. This provides a continuous loop that fuels the wealth chase.
The Real Source of Inequality
Another aspect of the money chase is the misdirection of blame. While some individuals focus on other workers as the source of inequality, the true culprits often lie elsewhere, such as dishonest measurements and practices.
The unconsciousness cultivated by the culture of consumption alienates individuals from their source or original purpose. This state of alienation creates a needy condition. By recognizing the honest nature of money, one can foster a more fulfilling life that promotes spirituality and well-being.
In conclusion, the pursuit of happiness and contentment should be the primary focus, with $55,000 providing a stable foundation for a life rich in experiences and personal growth.