I think that true happiness is a complicated and varied quest that is sought by everyone. But how do you attain it? How does one even come close to such fulfillment? Well one thing that society implants in our heads is money. We are all aware of the phrase "money can't buy you happiness", but these words have become challenged by many.
Several people I've talked to argue that money can buy you things that make you happy; that money is the key to success. Key to red Porsche, to the beautiful home on a hill, to lavish parties and multitude of friends. But this vision isn't everyone's happiness. Not everyone thrives on life in the big cityscapes and fancy cars to feel happy. Happiness to others could be hiking the Andes mountains, singing on a street corner, or simply being around a loved one. For instance, I went to Cuba this past summer, and the people there were the happiest I've ever seen in my life.
Despite many people not having much or barely money, the streets were oozed with content. Everywhere I looked, people were laughing and smiling-- they were making jewelry to sell for $2 apiece and celebrating with friends. I feel like the Cubans were less dependent on money for their happiness because there's so little of it, and it can't buy you everything your desires (which I think is a strong stigma held in the US). Because they weren't so focused on the money, the people were able to seek and gain happiness from elsewhere. And it's because of what I witnessed in Cuba that I don't think money can buy you happiness. Yes, I agree it can buy you objects that make you happy, but that type of happiness is temporary. Solely money can't buy you true happiness, it can't give that wholesome fulfillment in life that so many search and hope for.
I liked the example you give in your personal essay. You hit on a point that very well supports you response. i think you can extend more on talking about how the people made you feel and if what you saw there changed your perspective, or if it just strengthened what you thought even more. I also think you could separate out a last paragraph for a conclusion. I also like the different examples you give in paragraph 2 about what people might find happiness in and I think there you could talk about what sorts of things make you happy and relate it to yourself some more.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Joy. The essay has some great material and I really like the example of Cuba. Experiences like that really help get your point across because no one can argue against the things you have witnessed. If you aren't totally pressed on the word limit I would go into a little more detail about your current level of happiness and how you might attain true happiness.
ReplyDeleteThe Cuba example was a really good connection. And I like all the stories of the people there that you had. You could also talk more about how Cuba is maybe different from the US, or what you took away from that experience.
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