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You are correct! Most people don't even have an idea of what those choices are or what the lifestyle can be unless they have been around people who are rich enough to do what they want when they want and where they want.Happiness is wanting what you have.
Winning the lottery and starting a business with the proceeds so you can work there is very lacking in vision.
Sadly, most people win the lottery, decide to pay off the house (good), sell and buy a BIGGER one (not good) buy cars, stuff, toys, etc. and within literally a year or two are broke and they wonder how they managed to spend so much and end up back at square one. If I bought lottery tickets I'd take the yearly sum. Fix up the house a bit. Buy the empty lot next door and add a few rooms, good fences, etc. Then do something to help abandoned animals. But I'd have someone set up an automatic payment of bills before the rest.
I'd do as I do now, pay the bills, fund the food fund, the toy fund, and put something in the rainy day fund before anything got spent on whim. Your typical broke lottery winner saw *things* as an equivilant to happiness, which they are not.
"Every increased possession loads us with new weariness."
- John Ruskin, The Seven Lamps of Architecture (1849)
Having lived A and witnessed firsthand the vicissitudes of B, I would prefer something less striving and less stressful. In the struggle to make one’s way in the world, it is difficult not to fall prey to avarice and ambition. Everyone wants to succeed, but there is only room for few at the top. Even so, there would seem but little satisfaction in acquiring wealth and power when one does not know how to use either wisely or justly. Indeed, what good is it for a man to gain the whole world when he must leave it as naked as he was born? It is, as the poet said, "A sordid boon!" The true treasure in life is not the acquisition of riches or power - for one cannot hold on to either without constant strife - but to live in peace and tranquility. To be always worried about one’s property is hardly tranquil; and likewise, to be constantly fighting to maintain dominance over others is anything but peaceful. To be happy, one needs only some quiet place to enjoy the company of one’s thoughts; and if fortunate enough to have friends, their company as well.
Which life do you think is more fulling and enjoyable and which would you prefer:
A. Being a middle to upper middle class professional living in a middle class suburban house.
B. Being a megamillionaire with a mansion and many chaities and companies.
Thanks
A. Is what I am used to growing up in and seeing but it doesn't really fulfill me financially
B. Sounds like fun from the financial standpoint (I dont' necessarily need a mansion because that is more money and property taxes) but seems more stressful. You have to oversee employees, your various bank accounts, your accountants who help with those bank accounts so they don't steal, family members who want something, etc
Now that I think about it A for the long haul because I can see that being a lifestyle (even without finances) that is more for me.
Anyone who says "money can't buy you happiness" is just someone who has never had a considerably sizable income. I will agree that money doesn't necessarily make you happy but it allows you to buy a lot stuff that definitely does and also allows for vacations that provide tremendous happiness. I find the more I make, the more enjoyable time you can have in life. Along with it comes additional responsibility and pressure but that is all part of it and I guess some people aren't cut out for that aspect. I would pick more wealth and companies any day of the week.
Anyone who says "money can't buy you happiness" is just someone who has never had a considerably sizable income. I will agree that money doesn't necessarily make you happy but it allows you to buy a lot stuff that definitely does and also allows for vacations that provide tremendous happiness. I find the more I make, the more enjoyable time you can have in life. Along with it comes additional responsibility and pressure but that is all part of it and I guess some people aren't cut out for that aspect. I would pick more wealth and companies any day of the week.
Well, I have had a considerably sizable income; and it doesn't buy happiness - it buys comfort, but nothing more. You will find this out for yourself to your personal detriment and loss.
Which life do you think is more fulling and enjoyable and which would you prefer:
A. Being a middle to upper middle class professional living in a middle class suburban house.
B. Being a megamillionaire with a mansion and many chaities and companies.
Thanks
Well, I can only guess.... I think I could handle being a megamillionaire, yah definitely...I could buy alot of needed things , for a lot of needy people, and I know that would prove most enjoyable.
Well, I have had a considerably sizable income; and it doesn't buy happiness - it buys comfort, but nothing more. You will find this out for yourself to your personal detriment and loss.
I have also had a significant income and I have to disagree so remind me of that while I am on the beach with a cocktail in my hand and happiness is just dripping off of me. I agree it doesn't buy "happiness" but it does buy a lot of stuff that does in fact make me very happy.
I actually was on the other side of the coin for a while due to the recession and stupidity of bankers and I can tell you 100% without a doubt that lack of income brings a ton of unhappiness. Those were the most miserable years of my life and I will do everything I can to keep from ever being in that position again.
I guess it may be different for some people, I actually enjoy the pressure and intensity that comes with owning businesses and dealing with all of the responsibilities as well rewards that come along with it.
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I think I could handle being a megamillionaire, yah 
