| This question <13|2> overall <472|2> Brutal: <404|28>. |
| Question 1: Can one say that happiness is the only true wealth? |
| [1] Brutal: Wealth and Happiness In a capitalist society wealth is measured in what Marx would call commodities. From an economic view the reason for having these commodities is to provide utility, which is a unit of measurement of satisfaction. If we consider a commodity provides utility, or satisfaction, but does not make us happy shouldn't we reevaluate our definition of utility? However, while technological advances continue to increase the perceived utility of commodities and reduce prices it has not increased happiness. Perhaps the capitalist view that more is better has diverted our attention from the pursuit of happiness. |
| If happiness is the only true wealth then individuals could no longer compare wealth because it would have a different definition for every individual. While this non-comparative view of wealth may increase personal happiness, it would go against, and possibly destroy capitalism. Capitalism is by nature competitive, born out of the idea that the more stuff you own the more favor you have found with god. Therefore, in order to prove one's status with god he must have more possessions than others. However, these possessions have often been acquired through the oppression of others. |
| I disagree with the capitalist idea that happiness (or true wealth) comes from trampeling others as we attempt to accumulate as many things as possible as fast as we can. I believe honest work for those commodities that actually increase personal happiness would be a much truer measure of wealth than simply quantity. Wealth would then be as much about the process as it is about the result allowing us to enjoy happiness instead of continually seeking wealth with the assumption that with it comes happiness. The capitalist's search for wealth becomes a dangling carrot that will never be reached since there will always be someone who has more than he. Therefore, happiness for the true capitalist is an illusion that will never be achieved. |
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