Ginnifer Goodwin

Rachel Weisz

Emmanuelle Chriqui

In this post, I’m going to talk about how to get smart. No, I don’t mean this guy…

The best website I know about how to boost your brain is http://supermemo.com/

I recently found this website made by this guy who has been living without money since August of 2000. He lives in a cave in Utah, eats whatever he can find, and maintains his website at the local library. This is a very radical idea that I suppose none of us can really do, but it proves that it’s possible to live happily without a cent to your name.

So, I think the question on everyone’s mind is this: Does money make you happy? If so, how much do you need, and how do you use it? There are some studies and insight that I would like to share with you.

I think it is self-evident how materialism and consumerism poisons our culture. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look.

“Growing up in a Material World: Age Differences in Materialism in Children and Adolescents“

“Achieving Fame, Wealth and Beauty Are Psychological Dead Ends, Study Says“

So, how should we spend our money and our time?

“Spending Money on Others Promotes Happiness”

“Buying Experiences, Not Possessions, Leads to Greater Happiness”

“HOW RICH PEOPLE SPEND THEIR TIME” – Rich persons are more involved in active, structured and stressful activities, whereas poor people are more involved in passive leisure (watching TV). Another study concludes that “Unhappy People Watch TV, Happy People Read/Socialize”

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090807135054.htm – Positive Psychology, the benefits of teaching children how to be resilient and have positive outlook (better grades, etc)

http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/when-money-buys-happiness/

The Easterlin Paradox

http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/the-economics-of-happiness-part-1-reassessing-the-easterlin-paradox/