Kasser's Relationship Between Pursuing Wealth And Happiness

Register to read the introduction… In fact, those who pursue wealth -- even if they do so successfully -- are generally less happy than those who do not pursue wealth.

What is the cause and effect relationship between pursuing wealth and unhappiness? Interestingly, it is not materialism which causes unhappiness directly, but that unhappiness and materialism are mutually reinforcing mechanisms. He notes that people who have experienced true deprivation are those who, later in life, are the most materialistic -- for example, those who went through the Great Depression often were materialistic in later life.

He then goes on to describe the evidence that insecurity breeds materialism, and that pursuit of materialistic goals fails to increase happiness, works against close interpersonal relationships, works against authenticity and autonomy, and works against the health and happiness of those with whom the materialistic people interact. He concludes with some broad suggestions as to individuals, families, and societies can break out of materialistic