What would be the point of being famous if you’re not wealthy? People would criticize your clothes and you couldn’t afford fashion boutique clothes, and people would criticize your appearance, but you couldn’t afford a personal trainer or a nutritionist or a plastic surgeon. It would be frustrating.
Of the three, Trout chose the best. Fame sacrifices privacy, and power adds responsibility. But if I became a millionaire all of a sudden, I could still live the life I already have.
If “Happiness” were one of the options, I’d pick that too. If you’re poor, anonymous, and powerless but happy nonetheless, why wish for a change that might make you unhappy? Happiness is its own justification, and its own reward. And without that, the other three are pretty empty.
I’d also take issue with Wolf’s question “What would be the point of being famous if you’re not wealthy?” I think you’re confusing “Fame” with “Celebrity.” You can be famous in many ways without having to face public scrutiny every day. You could be a war hero, or cure a terrible disease, or write an important novel, and everybody would know your name but still not recognize you if you walk down the street. Of course, in modern culture if you’re famous for any reason you’ll have no end of opportunities to turn a quick buck off it. But there is certainly no end of the artists and writers out there who know they’ll probably be poor all their lives but hope that their name will live in the future through their works.
Trout has it right: with wealth you can buy the other three. For those who think their happiness doesn’t depend on money, think of one thing that makes you happy that doesn’t cost so much a penny directly or indirectly. If you’re successful, go find me a happy homeless man who isn’t out of his mind. I’d even settle for someone living in public housing.
So many people think that the only alternative to “Wealth” is “Poverty.” Yes, you need to have “enough” money, and “enough” is difficult to define. But if pursuit of Wealth becomes its own goal, then you will NEVER have “enough.”
I have read that there was a study done, and money DOES increase your happiness—up to a point. I believe that point was $75,000 a year for a family of four. After that your happiness doesn’t increase. But it makes perfect sense that being able to afford healthcare and comfortable, attractive surroundings and possessions and trips to interesting places and to pursue your hobbies and interests will make you happier than worrying how you will afford utilities next month or whether you will be able to send your child to college or ever own your own home or be able to retire or one day see Europe.In regards to happiness, I believe that it’s not a goal, it’s a result. I think if it’s something you aim for, you will miss it. Having the affection and respect of people you love, doing work that has meaning, being the kind of person you know you ought to be—those are the things that bring happiness. But prioritizing happiness tends to mean self-indulgence and short-term gratification instead of longer-lasting joy.
thesource over 12 years ago
we are all beautiful in our own way
chris_o42 over 12 years ago
I think that fame, wealth and power would give me happiness. At least I’d like to give it a shot!
afeeney over 12 years ago
“I’ve never been a millionaire but I bet I’d be just darling at it.” Dorothy Parker.
rshive over 12 years ago
Agnes — the closet cynic.
Zaristerex over 12 years ago
What would be the point of being famous if you’re not wealthy? People would criticize your clothes and you couldn’t afford fashion boutique clothes, and people would criticize your appearance, but you couldn’t afford a personal trainer or a nutritionist or a plastic surgeon. It would be frustrating.
Skarlett Premium Member over 12 years ago
I’d go for health too, no doubt!
Stephen Gilberg over 12 years ago
Of the three, Trout chose the best. Fame sacrifices privacy, and power adds responsibility. But if I became a millionaire all of a sudden, I could still live the life I already have.
fritzoid Premium Member over 12 years ago
If “Happiness” were one of the options, I’d pick that too. If you’re poor, anonymous, and powerless but happy nonetheless, why wish for a change that might make you unhappy? Happiness is its own justification, and its own reward. And without that, the other three are pretty empty.
I’d also take issue with Wolf’s question “What would be the point of being famous if you’re not wealthy?” I think you’re confusing “Fame” with “Celebrity.” You can be famous in many ways without having to face public scrutiny every day. You could be a war hero, or cure a terrible disease, or write an important novel, and everybody would know your name but still not recognize you if you walk down the street. Of course, in modern culture if you’re famous for any reason you’ll have no end of opportunities to turn a quick buck off it. But there is certainly no end of the artists and writers out there who know they’ll probably be poor all their lives but hope that their name will live in the future through their works.
Hunter7 over 12 years ago
I would worry about the famouse thing. There’s always the famouse because of the infamy clause..Could I go for 2 items? Health & wealth?
Boots at the Boar Premium Member over 12 years ago
Trout has it right: with wealth you can buy the other three. For those who think their happiness doesn’t depend on money, think of one thing that makes you happy that doesn’t cost so much a penny directly or indirectly. If you’re successful, go find me a happy homeless man who isn’t out of his mind. I’d even settle for someone living in public housing.
orinoco womble over 12 years ago
Money may not make you happy but it can help you choose your misery.
fritzoid Premium Member over 12 years ago
So many people think that the only alternative to “Wealth” is “Poverty.” Yes, you need to have “enough” money, and “enough” is difficult to define. But if pursuit of Wealth becomes its own goal, then you will NEVER have “enough.”
suzannetangerine over 12 years ago
I have read that there was a study done, and money DOES increase your happiness—up to a point. I believe that point was $75,000 a year for a family of four. After that your happiness doesn’t increase. But it makes perfect sense that being able to afford healthcare and comfortable, attractive surroundings and possessions and trips to interesting places and to pursue your hobbies and interests will make you happier than worrying how you will afford utilities next month or whether you will be able to send your child to college or ever own your own home or be able to retire or one day see Europe.In regards to happiness, I believe that it’s not a goal, it’s a result. I think if it’s something you aim for, you will miss it. Having the affection and respect of people you love, doing work that has meaning, being the kind of person you know you ought to be—those are the things that bring happiness. But prioritizing happiness tends to mean self-indulgence and short-term gratification instead of longer-lasting joy.