Experiences bring more happiness than possessions. True?
I think people should consider buying experiences rather than possessions.
Over the years, research has shown that experiences bring about more happiness than possessions. It appears that purchasing experiences have more potential of providing satisfaction than material purchases. Professor Thomas Gilovich has done extensive work on how this happens.
“Our experiences are a bigger part of ourselves than our material goods. You can really like your material stuff. You can even think that part of your identity is connected to those things, but nonetheless they remain separate from you. In contrast, your experiences really are part of you. We are the sum total of our experiences.”
Image: potentash
- Gilovich
In the journal, Psychological Science, Gilovich, Killingsworth, and Amit Kumar, concluded that spending money on experiences provide more enduring happiness; citing anticipation/hope as the main driver of happiness...Yes, the Holy book says Romans 5 ... :"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment." Obviously, the joy of anticipation, day-dreaming, and 'looking-forward-to' the experience can keep you going. Hope is medicine for the soul! That is probably why Proverbs 13: 12 says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life."
I am wondering if the benefits of spending money on an experience accrue before the actual purchase or 'trip' has been engaged? Hmm, I think so. More so, after the 'trip,' concert, adventure, movie, cruise and so on, have been experienced. It can also be considered as an investment, whereby you bank memories so that you can draw from there when happiness depletes hopefully momentarily.
Cuba, my best friend's dream place to be. It won't be bad to get a feel of the ancient nature of the place before colonialism hits them. Image: ncl
Sometimes you shut your eyes and smile, when you look through your minds' eyes, you get rejuvenated; you look back into memories of past events that brought you joy! This is a useful tool in times when you are not so happy or 'when the going gets tough'.
I can't Forget what my experience at the conservatory in Praslin; the fact about Coco Der Mer... the wonder nut, only found in Seychelles. Image: newtonsapple
The Chinese seem to be in full swing on this; they buy experiences now more than ever. They want to travel, know cultures, foods, people and so on from other parts of world. The Americans are fast catching up as well.
Some luxury or mere possession is good for desire, but even better when you develop your knowledge bank through experience, exposure, and new learning. After all, anticipating an experience elicits more happiness than waiting for a new purchase; of course the excitement leaves soon after the purchase is made, then, off we go to our next desire and acquisition. In the case of an adventure or cruise for example, the memories of splendor lingers on.
I want to see the Flamingos at Lake Nakuru in Kenya. Image: mnn
What's the use being surrounded by good stuff and not having the wealth of experiences to share, such that others can learn through them as well. Call it hindsight, which has the potential of helping you see, using someone else's rear view mirror. Talk about seeing what others don't see and hearing what others don't hear.
Oh Yes! La Digue...if my eyes could speak. At times I am upset, I go into my closet of memories, I shut my eyes, and I smile...
To me, it all sums up to power and upward motion through knowledge; knowing/experiencing what others haven't. This brings a certain level of energy, strength, and confidence. I found a story about Fred Finn, the man flew Concorde 718 times! Now, that is power. Richard Branson had to find him.
With all the money in the world, those that didn't fly Concorde, can not fly Concorde...Glad I got a few chances; Talk about power through experiences. Being able to experience street food, perhaps roasted corn and 'pear' in Senegal or Lagos is awesome. Power!
So, shall we buy experiences rather than possessions?
What are your Thoughts? I look forward to your comment below.
Toyin W. Oke
Publisher, Chief Editor
"Your experiences determine who you become, just as your past experiences have formed part of who you are." - TWO