The Science of Happiness
Experimental psychologists investigating the possibility of happiness have uncovered the futility of pinning our hopes on any good fortune that comes our way. We tend to adjust our attitude when fortune shines down on us, quickly returning to our usual level of happiness. A study of lottery winners showed that sudden wealth had no lasting effect on happiness. Months after their stroke of luck lottery winners were no happier than nonwinners.
For many people, sudden money can cause disaster. In our culture, there is a widely held belief that money solves problems. People think if they had more money, their troubles would be over. When a family receives unexpected money, they frequently learn that money can cause as many problems as it solves.
Bud Post won $16 million in the Pennsylvania lottery, but now lives on his Social Security check. His girlfriend successfully sued him for a share of his winnings. A brother tried to kill him for his money. Other siblings convinced him to contribute to losing business ventures. Bud spent time in jail for firing a gun at a bill collector. Within a year, he was $1 million in debt. (Advice to parents: If you want a wealthy son don’t name him Bud.)
Soon after winning $1 million in a lottery, Charles Riddle was divorced, faced several lawsuits and was indicted for selling cocaine. Julie Lee won $18 million. Her generosity to politicians, educators and community organizations contributed to her downfall. Eight years after winning the lottery, Lee had only $700 left. Willie Hurt won $3.1 million. Within two years, he had spent his fortune on crack cocaine. A Southeastern family won $4.2 million. They bought a huge house and lost the rest of the money helping family members pay off debts.
Lottery winners affirm the belief regarding the distribution of wealth. According to folk legend, if all the money in the treasury was divided evenly amongst all US citizens within a year the previously wealthy would once again possess most of the money.
The same situation seems to hold true for happiness. Psychological studies indicate that just as we seem to have a set point for wealth, we also have a set point for happiness. Through controlled experiments, psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD has explored ways to beat the genetic set point for happiness.
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