CHARTER FOR COMPASSION / WORLD

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On the TV show 30 Rock, Jack Donaghy, played by Alec Baldwin says "We all know money doesn't buy happiness. It IS happiness."

Scholar Michael Norton begs to differ -- a bit. Spending money does lead to happiness it seems -- as long as I don't spend it on yourself.  Listen for surprising data on the many ways pro-social spending can benefit you, your work, and (of course) other people. “Spending on other people has a bigger return for you than spending on yourself."

We posted Norton's talk on our Facebook page and got some surprising returns. Tell us what you think? Is the old school "money corrupts happiness school" on point? Is Norton's theory just a way to make the better off feel better about themselves? How MUCH does one have to give away? Tell us on Facebook.  

Charter Group Members on Money and Happiness

John Wolforth:  Are there really people who still don't know this? If I were approached for this experiment, I would give the money to my current favorite charity. I have had a favorite charity for as long as I have had an income. There are kids right in your neighborhood who

Beth Franz:  Give for the pleasure of giving - "selfish" motivation with big returns. Let's do it world!

Michelle Hagen" It's a shame but most people haven't figured this one out even though it should be a given in life. Our culture has unfortunately become all about "me" and everyone's miserable and on antidepressants! Think we need to teach our children better to change the way our culture is going!

Colleen Waters:  I already teach my 3 year old daughter this philosophy, on her birthday I made biscuits to give to others, and for easter this year we knocked on all our neighbours doors of the street and offered a choice of marshmallows and small chocolate eggs from a big bowl......she was so pleased with some of the positive responses we got that she could not contain herself and hugged their leg gleefully in excitement :-)

Chantal Claudia Paquette:  Just returned from a trip to India where people are fundamentally happy while most have hardly any possessions at all and are willing to give all they have... Doesn't that say it all ?

 

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