- happiness not directly a function of quantity of money.
- happiness comes from how people choose to spend their money, provided they have enough money to make such choices.
- more happiness comes from spending money on experiences (surfing, bikram, travel) than things.
- not having enough money to cover basic needs is a major source of unhappiness.
- above a certain point, money doesn't make people much happier (though that point, where basic needs are covered, may be key).
- as we make more money, we demand more diversity in what we consume and what we do.
- more diversity of products may ultimately tyrannize the consumer (aka the paradox of choice).
Jezebel-named Hippest Economist Ever: Wharton's Betsey Stevenson http://bpp.wharton.upenn.edu/betseys/index.asp
I take happiness research with a grain of salt for many many reasons but it's still interesting, especially when coupled with decision making / choice paradox.
