Money Does Buy Happiness

Filipinos are known for being tough and jolly persons. They can withstand whatever trials and difficulties come their way, and still, you can see smiles on their faces. But based on the recent Gallup poll, the Philippines is one of those in the bottom list of the happiest countries in the world.  Researchers at the Gallup World Poll went about it by surveying thousands of respondents in 155 countries, between 2005 and 2009. This research shows that rich countries are happier, the countries that are enjoying high level of prosperity.

It seems that the more satisfied the people are, the happier they are. What do you expect with the 2.8 million (according to the NSO) unemployed Filipinos? Who would be happy with no food on the table? Who would be happy for not being able to send their children in school? Who would be happy without having money to buy the medicines they need? This unemployment rate does not include those who are no longer looking for work. To date, one million Filipinos lost hope and resigned to not finding one.

How sad. Maybe you are one of those who have the regular jobs and receiving decent salaries every month. But thinking about these situations of our fellow-Filipinos, would you be happy? As much as I do not want to believe, but it seems true in a way, “Money does buy happiness.”