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We often admire millionaires, their fortunes and eccentric antics. But how happy are these people? American scientists tried to answer this question
How to Find Millionaires to Research
As psychologist Max Alberhasky writes, “The question of the happiness of millionaires is extremely difficult for researchers to answer because these people, as shocking as it sounds, are not particularly willing to take standard questionnaires, for which participants are usually paid $ 5-10 per hour.” In this regard, scientists have entered into an agreement with some unnamed investment organizations. Their representatives helped to ask a series of questions about 4 thousand American millionaires. As a result, the researchers formulated three main conclusions.
Millionaires are happy in moderation
It may seem strange to many that people with large fortunes did not answer that they were “10 out of 10” happy. Nevertheless, the results show that, on average, millionaires rate their level of happiness at about 8 out of 10. Moreover, this indicator does not change much as wealth increases. For wealth holders from $1 million to $1,9 million, it is 7,81; for owners from $2 million to $4,9 million – 7,87; for owners from $5 million to $9,9 million – 7,72.
Multimillionaires are happier than ordinary millionaires
Only those whose net worth exceeds $10 million have a happiness score of 8,03. As Alberhusky writes, “the super-rich with lots of money are slightly happier than the average millionaire.”
Happier are those who have earned their millions
The most important conclusion is that the source of wealth affects the psychological state of millionaires. Those who “made themselves” “pulled themselves out of the swamp by their hair” and earned money by their labor are happier than those who inherited wealth from relatives. However, the difference is still not that significant.
What do these findings mean?
Financial resources can contribute to happiness, but it can be concluded that millionaires (and even multimillionaires) are not completely satisfied with their lives. Among the reasons, including increased social isolation that comes with wealth – both physical and psychological.
Money can buy relative security, but it can’t buy loving families, great friends, delightful hobbies, and other pleasant little things in everyday life. The next time you see a millionaire on the news, realize that he may not be as happy as you think. Moreover, by devoting time to things and people that bring joy, psychologically, you can easily approach the indicators of the most famous rich people.