When I’m around people who are wealthy &/or famous &/or successful I like to ask “When was the happiest time of your life?” And I invariably get one of two answers. Either in childhood before responsibility, or in adulthood, but before they became rich/successful/famous.
Not *one* person has attributed their happiness to their success.
Additionally (and this is anecdotal), but around my own friends/peers I’d say to the extent there is *any* correlation between wealth/fame/success I’d say it’s a negative one.
Additionally (and this is anecdotal), but around my own friends/peers I’d say to the extent there is *any* correlation between wealth/fame/success I’d say it’s a negative one.
In fact, as I look at my friends/colleagues/peers, I’d say - in general (and there are definitely exceptions) - that the more successful/rich/famous they are, the less happy they are.
Again, a generality. But overall true, at least in my own observations.
Again, a generality. But overall true, at least in my own observations.
Also: I ask people to say the first thing that comes to mind. Which means I don’t count it when they *immediately* change it to “Well, you know, aside from my wedding night” or “Well - when my kids were born, of course.”
For me, personally, while I know intellectually that I’m happier now than I’ve ever been on *so* many levels, my 1st response is my mid-20’s, before things truly “broke” for me. Which is interesting because I know (again, intellectually) that I was legitimately unhappy then.
The point here is that I find it interesting to note that the people I know who achieve (what they assume are) their dreams don't always find happiness from it, and, in my observation, often are less happy.
