Seven Steps Around The Money

The question of the century: Is money more important than happiness? Can money buy happiness? Can one have the desired amount of money but still be unhappy? On the surface, we declare that money is the source of all good emotions that humans experience. How can one be upset if they have the power to buy anything? Isn't it how we feel? Maybe we don't have enough money to understand the pain and unhappiness of those who have it.

A story felt too personal...

Personal Encounter: A Meeting with a Future Engineer

So, why am I bringing this topic up? Recently, I met a last-semester master's student of mechanical engineering from IIT Madras during a cultural event. Despite the pressure of completing the thesis and sorting out the possible ways to start earning after completing the degree, he stood firm in practice and delivered a memorable performance along with the group. There it all started, wanting to grow, wanting to have more than one already have. His eyes held a desperate, unspoken longing—to let his inner artist free.

Let's dive into an experience that we can relate.

The Performance and Its Impact

I think the recent performance has a special place in his heart, but the tales he shares of his good old days are worth listening to. The 'Seven Steps Around The Fire' written by Mahesh Dattani was his first theatre act he did after researching for about three months or more along with the team he was member of. The play highlights the cruelty faced by transgender people done by so-called normal humans. To understand the pain and be able to dive into character so well that the audience not only cried but also appreciated it, isn't it bigger than any reward for an artist?

Sometimes for small donation, sometimes for memories, the group saw it all. He shared about how his team turned one of the known houses into a stage and performed with all their life. The only person who was well-versed with the terminolgies of the act is the lady in command, teacher who taught them everything which she learned in her therete arts degree. Despite only being interested in direction, she led the army to do various plays by performing in them.

The Desire for More: A Universal Theme

Whether it's wealth or satisfaction, we tend to desire more. The human race is greedy. But is it wrong to desire to be happy? To do what we love and earn from that? His heart desires to be part of the stage again, but his mind understands very well the need for money and having a stable income.

This tension between money and joy isn’t just personal. Have you ever let yourself down from wanting something because of money?

If yes, you are brave to sustain in this world and I know you will overcome everything. If not, good lord gracious.

Emotional vs. Material Wealth

Don't think that I didn't question him about why he is here in IIT Madras instead of an art school. I did; the answer was clear: "I wanted to go to Mumbai. I had connections but could not go because of COVID. One year, I did nothing; my parents told me to continue my studies, and I landed here, in search for job. I am 27, need to provide for my family."

Adding to that, he claimed or maybe consoled himself that even though he became a good engineer, he would pursue his love as a hobby and be connected to it. His emotional well-being is very clear to everyone but material wealth, which plays a significant role in paving his path to become an earning figure through engineering.

The Duality of Money and Happiness

Just as the play’s characters navigated societal barriers, we navigate the trade-offs between money and dreams. Money and happiness are not two sides of coin. They complement each other. And yes, one can be a well-salaried person with a house and kids and still be unhappy. Kindly don't take billionaires into account. If they want to sing, they can set up a whole stage and pay to autotune. We are here to talk about the people who have to think twice before pursuing their passion.

Societal Perspectives on Money and Happiness

The belief is that financial resources provide Security, Freedom, and Social Status.

Studies, such as those by Nobel laureates Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton, suggest that up to a certain income level (around $75,000 per year in the U.S.), money does increase happiness by alleviating financial stress. However, beyond that threshold, additional wealth has diminishing returns on emotional well-being.

Many Eastern philosophies emphasize that Contentment, Relationships, and Mindfulness are key to emotional well-being.

Philosophers like Epicurus argued that happiness comes from modest living and meaningful connections rather than endless accumulation.

Personal Reflection: The Ongoing Quest for Balance

The pursuit of happiness is beyond financial means. We find joy in experiences rather than possessions. We can balance it out. Yes, without any doubt, we can balance it out. How? I quite don't know how you lead your life. But as a personal touch, I am here writing it down to make me feel light. There is something out there that will make you fly even in a storm. But can that make money? If yes, congratulations. If not, don't let yourself down, honey; there are always some windows to look for.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the healthiest approach may be to view money as a tool for enhancing life, not the sole source of happiness. Life is known to put pebbles in your way, to see how you carved them. Shall we pledge to be happy even when tides are against us?

Also, think about it... Is it possible to truly succeed, both financially and emotionally? Was it impossible for him, the soon-to-be engineer, to pursue his dreams?

Is it impossible for us to make money by being happy? By doing what we love? This is the answer that you have to find for yourself.

Perhaps the answer lies not in choosing between money or happiness, but in rewriting the rules—refusing to let society dictate which dreams are ‘practical.’

After all, what’s the point of stability if it silences the song inside you?

~Floe