Can money make you happy?

MONEY!

Every thinker who has tried to answer the question of how to live has had to wonder how much money was right to have and of course if money can make you happy. 
While it seems like a simple yes or no question, the answer is much more complex. I did my homework on various philosophical ideas and will try to break them down, share my thoughts on the matter and write about some " favourite ideas " that changed the way we think. 

First, we have Plato. Plato believed that true happiness, or eudaimonia, is not derived from external possessions or material wealth, but from living a virtuous and well-balanced life. To him, happiness is not just a fleeting feeling of pleasure or satisfaction, but rather a deep state of well-being that comes from aligning one’s soul with virtue. According to Plato, the soul has three parts: reason, spirit, and appetite. True happiness occurs when these parts are in harmony, with reason leading the way, ensuring that we make choices grounded in wisdom and morality. In Plato’s view, while money may provide comfort and security, allowing us to meet our basic needs, it also carries the risk of fostering greed, envy, and selfishness. Plato feared that those who become obsessed with wealth risk losing sight of what really matters. Moreover, Plato argued that wealth alone cannot lead to inner peace or moral fulfillment. Material possessions are external and can only provide temporary pleasure, which fades over time. On the other hand, a life guided by virtue brings a deeper, more lasting sense of contentment and meaning.  
For example, the pursuit of wisdom enables us to make thoughtful decisions, courage allows us to face challenges without fear,  justice guides us to treat others fairly and with respect. These virtues cultivate a strong and balanced soul, leading to a state of well-being that money alone can never provide. For Plato, the path to happiness lies in the cultivation of our inner moral character, not in the pursuit of material wealth. I think its necessary to say that money may support the necessities of life, yes that is true, but it should never be the central goal. 

Now, there is the Aristotelian philosophy. Aristotle agreed that happiness is about living a virtuous life but recognized that some material wealth is necessary for comfort. He saw money as a means to an end, not the end itself. For him, a certain level of financial stability is required for a good life, but beyond that, it doesn't add to true happiness, which comes from fulfilling our purpose and flourishing in our relationships and society. 

Lets talk a little bit about Epicurus' philosophy, he believed that the key to happiness is finding pleasure and avoiding pain, but he had a unique view on what kind of pleasures lead to true happiness. For him, it wasn’t about chasing after wealth, luxury, or indulgence. In fact, he thought that pursuing too much money or material things actually causes more stress and anxiety, as people constantly worry about losing what they have or wanting more. Instead, Epicurus taught that the most lasting and satisfying pleasures come from simple things. Friendship, freedom, and quiet moments of reflection are what bring real happiness. 

Now, one of my " favourite " ideas i wish to talk about is what Kant believed about the matter. He argued that happiness and morality are not necessarily connected to wealth. He believed that money is neutral—neither good nor bad—but what matters is how we use it. I mean think about that, isn't it beautiful? I remember, when i was young, i've been told things such as " to be wealthy means to be a bad person, or to earn money in your life you have to become unethical ", bunch of stupid stuff. If we earn or spend money with good intentions, like helping others or supporting a meaningful cause, it can contribute to a good and fulfilling life. However, if we use money selfishly or in ways that harm others, it can negatively affect our moral character. For Kant, true happiness comes from living a morally good life, not from wealth or possessions. So, if we let money lead us to act immorally—such as by being greedy, unfair, or hurting others—then it detracts from both our morality and our happiness. To make it simple, Kant believed that it’s not how much money we have that matters, but how we use it. When money is used with good intentions, it can support a morally good life. But when used selfishly, it pulls us away from true happiness. 

If we see it from a more social and economic perspective, Karl Marx believed that money in capitalist systems alienates people from their true selves and from each other. According to Marx, the obsession with money makes us less happy because it strips away our humanity and reduces our interactions to mere exchanges of labor for capital. 

Another interesting philosophy is none other that Nietzsche's. He believed that true happiness comes from the will to power, which is the drive to express ourselves and assert our personal strength and purpose. For him, life is about pushing our limits, challenging ourselves, and living boldly. While money can provide some freedom certainly, no one doubts that, Nietzsche didn’t think it guaranteed happiness. For example, a rich person might still feel powerless if they don’t have a sense of purpose or aren’t using their abilities to their fullest. In Nietzsche's view, we seek more than just comfort or material wealth—we want to feel strong, independent, and free to shape our own lives. Money alone can't give us that. Happiness comes when we overcome challenges and live courageously, taking risks and striving for personal growth, rather than simply accumulating wealth. 

Now, i would probably agree on the fact that money can contribute to happiness by providing freedom—the freedom to pursue passions, spend time with loved ones, or avoid stressful jobs. However, i don't think it can create true happiness, freedom and a sense of purpose. Yes, it can provide you with some temporary security, comfort and satisfaction, but it is not the source of deep and meaningful life. We can also agree on the fact that it may support a happy life, but not create it.
From where I am standing, the real challenge is to use money without letting it control or define us. 
You want to be wealthy? By all means go for it, its a noble pursuit, just make sure you won't become a slave to it..