A reflection on the question ‘Can money buy happiness?’

Anna Cristina Tuazon’s column titled “Can money buy happiness?” (Safe Space, 11/14/24) was an interesting piece. Prior to reading, I felt the urge to answer yes or no based on the title. It is, in a way, an invitation to ask ourselves.

As for me, my answer is yes: money can buy happiness (depending on how you perceive happiness). I believe money can be an effective tool to buy food and water, own land or property, pay bills, etc., which makes me happy—or, to put it simply, satiated—by fulfilling my physiological and safety needs.

I tend to agree with Tuazon that “the economic reality of Filipinos seems to indicate that money can go a long way in helping us achieve a comfortable life, if not ultimate happiness.” This suggests that, nowadays, the massive impact of money is beyond doubt in securing a better life and engenders a sense of comfort, making it imperative for many to pursue financial stability.

Moreover, I really appreciated how Tuazon presented her multilayered points in detail, such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which explains how basic physiological and safety needs must be fulfilled first before pursuing higher goals: “The hierarchy goes as follows: physiological needs (food, water, shelter), safety needs (safety, security), love and belonging (family, friends), esteem (respect, recognition, self-esteem), and growth needs (cognitive, aesthetic, self-actualization).”

In addition, she also tackled the impact of money on relationships, observing how some people choose not to date or have children because they cannot yet afford the related costs of being in a relationship and “they would rather focus their money on more basic needs rather than spend it on a relationship.” Lastly, she discussed how financial security provides fertile ground for psychological safety, enhancing mental health and self-worth as well.

In the end, I liked the article even more, as Tuazon noted: “Money is not the sole factor for happiness. But it does facilitate many of our needs.” This leads me to believe that money is, of course, an important enabler in our pursuit of happiness.