Many people might think that if they had more money, then they would be happier in life. For example, people might look at what others have, like expensive clothes or nice cars, and wish they could have the same. But the things that money can buy can not bring happiness to a person for long.
① But is that really true? Studies have found that money can, in fact, make people happier. ② Instead, it's giving money to others that makes people happy. ③ It could be buying a present for a friend or a family member. ④ It could be buying a homeless person food to eat. It could be giving money to a person in need. Just think about the last time you used your own money to do something for someone else. How did you feel? Whether it is a small or large amount of money, people feel happier when they give. This is because making someone else happy makes the giver happy, too.
This idea of connecting your happiness to the happiness of others is described as ubuntu in an African language. There is even a story about a man visiting Africa who asked some kids to race to a nearby tree. The first child to touch the tree would get a sweet treat. Surprisingly, all the children held hands and ran together. They all touched the tree at the same time. The man asked why they had done this. The children simply said they could only enjoy eating the treat if everyone had one.
