So if money can’t get us much, why do we put it up to the most importance?

Imagine, growing up thousands of years ago. Where there is no written language, no form of currency, but there you are among your tribe. In this tribe you make due with what you have and find simple pleasures in your day to day living. But despite living a rough life, you're content  with family and friends. You seek to protect and grow with your community but on occasion you even spend free time entertaining yourself. In this life, the best things are certainly free.

Many wonder if they could live better lives if having millions to their name. That with extra money, everyday problems could be solved. We can’t help but to think that with money we could be living happier and easier lives. But, the truth is that the best things in life such as entertainment, family and happiness are actually free. It’s up to us to get ahold of what we want and live prosperous.

When visiting my mother’s old home in Dominican Republic, I'm always astonished by how resourceful the people are. They have little money to spend on entertainment. The children make kites out of plastic bags, string and twigs. In participating I realized that it was fun and competitive. It was the best way to get out of the house and to meet other people my age. My cousins informed me of how competitive kite flying can get at times. Nethertheless, it was a fun past time. This tradition passed from generations embodies the idea that in order to have fun and be happy, you don’t need to have money in your pocket.

During times of war, people will prioritize what is most important. Money and luxuries are not vital when put in the perspective that life is short and must be lived to it’s full potential. When there is conflict as seen with the World Wars, people will cling to what they have, which is their family. No matter their socio-economic status, people will make sure that their family is safe. This goes for the soldiers who fought, keeping in mind that they were keeping their family safe by fighting for them in another country. At home, the family will be closer and more intimate as they realize that family can’t be bought and must be cherished at all times. This reiterates the theme that the best thing in life, which for many is family, can’t be bought.

Happiness is sought by many as a means for living. But many believe that happiness can be bought, which is true up to a certain extent. As I learned in Psychology; money will buy happiness until a certain amount of money is obtained. Studies have found that once a person has excessive amounts of money, they’ll start to prioritize money and lose sight of what’s important in their lives such as friends and family. This misplacement of priorities will result in one’s own demise, as they will live in solitude.  This can be seen with lottery winners, as many will spend loads of money living temporary lavish lives and in the end become depressed and remorseful. Happiness like all of the best things in life, can’t be bought with money.

The best things in life are definitely free, as this is the sole reason why these things are valuable. If not, then these things would be feeble and easy to come by, making it pointless. So if money can’t get us much, why do we put it up to the most importance?