What The Ultimate Study On Happiness Reveals

[@lindybeige]

You did not discuss the massive problem of separating cause from effect. Married people are happier. Is this because they are married, or because happy people are more likely to attract a spouse? Are people lonely because they are sad or sad because they are lonely? Happy people find it easier to make friends, so do the friends make them happy, or or does their happiness gain them friends? Without addressing this problem, you haven't got to grips with the subject.

[@marcosp7053]

Good comment.

[@thomascrough2867]

This is what I was going to comment. This seems like its trying to be persuasive rather than inquisitive. It's incredibly disingenuous to portray these associations as causal. If you learned these stats and concepts in a traditional academic setting, they'd tell you to challenge these inferences. Here they're passed off as truth. Brought to you by BetterHelp lol

[@jaideepshekhar4621]

Well said. There's a lot of assumptions.

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

To understand, study... To live in peace, watch this 👉The Connections (2021) [short documentary]💖

[@d6d6d6d61]

Also these are mostly white men from ivy leagues and their immidiate family, seems like a narrow scope of humans

[@kolterdyx]

I think it's really interesting how the guy at 20:54 says we wants a ton of kids, and then clarifies "as many as I can afford". I think this is the reason people first think of money for what makes us happier, because the lack of money is the biggest limiting factor in our lives. It's not that having more money will directly make us happier, it's that it will extend the limit to the things we can do to make us happy

[@Prinzeum]

I was born from a very poor family and everytime I think about where it went wrong for me in my life, it always goes back to the lack of money. No money to eat, go to school, or go to the doctor were the biggest issues of my family.

[@EricBurbeck]

@@Prinzeum I think that's where the ~$75k lower limit comes from - as you attest, it's hard to be happy when basic needs can't be met.

[@undeadarmy19]

Literally half of the world lives on $6.85 a day or less, and 10% live on less than $2.15 a day, that's around $2500 or $785 a year. The thing is, a lot of these people have kids too. Thats one of the core issues in the US, and many Western countries nowadays, the obsession with money and an easy, convenient lifestyle with as little responsibility as possible. This is also why depression rates are so high today, because nothing is special anymore, everyone spends so much time overindulging on everything from food to sex/porn/masturbation, to entertainment, etc. Once you become used to a certain lifestyle, you either expect to keep living the same way, or better. Right now our lives have become TOO easy. We've become the equvilant of animals raised in captivity. We have our basic needs met, we don't have to worry about predators, etc. Then when people get a taste of the "wild" they curl up in the fetal position and act like its the worst thing that's ever happened to anyone. We NEED hardships in our lives to truly be happy. We NEED self-control, we need tough love, etc. If you spend everyday having fun, no days are fun. We basically have a bunch of addicts walking around everywhere. Whether they're addicted to social media/the internet, food/sugar, porn, etc, the issue is, these are all legal habits that are extremely cheap and easy to access, so people constantly indulge, not even realizing how far they're falling. Lastly, the drive to reproduce is literally the strongest drive we have. Its the strongest drive that any living creature has. Many creatures on this planet spend their entire lives eating and growing so they can reach maturity, mate, then die shortly after. Humans have begun to allow addictions to keep them from their natural instincts, and it is leading to a lot of mental health and social problems. Many people sit around living these carefree lives where they expect other people to further the human race and raise people that they will rely on once they get older. Yes, you will need people to run things when you're older, and if you get really old you'll need people to take care of you. If you expect everyone else to raise the kids that become the adults that do these things, while not contributing yourself, you're just selfish. Hopefully we can begin to realize some of these issues on a wide scale and work towards fixing them.

[@kolterdyx]

@@undeadarmy19 $6.85 a day means nothing. It only means something if you know what stuff costs. If you could pay off a house loan years on 6.85 it would be a lot. If you struggled to make ends meet at that rate it wouldn't. Stuff costs differently in different places around the world so there is no one number that tells you realistically what people live off of. Regardless of that, money doesn't just buy luxury stuff that people indulge in until nothing gives them dopamine, in many places, most famously the US, it buys everything. It buys access to good healthcare, it buys you access to good education, etc. and on those two examples you need a lot more than you even should to be able to get them. Hospitals will knowingly let you die if you can't afford their treatment. If that's not proof that money helps bring happiness through directly bringing health, I don't know what is

[@MaurDL]

nailed it

[@Zeppelin0731]

When you cite the study that said that beyond $75,000 there is little increase in happiness (or however you want to frame it), you have to remember that the referenced study was performed in 2010. I just did the conversion between December 2010 and October 2023 (the approximate time of this comment) on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website. $75,000 in 2010 is equivalent to just over $105,000 today. Keep that in mind folks.

[@aperson9223]

commenting to boost!

[@I9IIEIIYIIEIIS]

health is #1. keep that in mind as well

[@arysium2308]

Are you unaware of how inflation works?

[@AlexanderPosipanko]

@@arysium2308 ? His comment was a direct reflection on how inflation works

[@CryinOverSpilledTea]

@@arysium2308based on this comment I'd say they understand inflation well enough

[@itachi-senpaii]

I used to get frequent panic attacks few years back, and I still get anxiety attacks today. At times, it felt like life was not worth living, because I felt so disconnected from this world. I am trying to understand what it means to have a meaningful life. So it doesn't really matter, just do your thing, do the things you love doing, chase your goals without thinking twice, have no regrets in life. And, if there is nothing you wanna do for yourself, do little good things for the people around you.

[@RobFomenko]

When I was in my last marriage I started getting panic attacks. I never told my spouse. Didn't matter anyway cuz she divorced me but after that my stress levels did start dropping almost immediately. I don't get them anymore and they were definitely real. I could feel my body start to sweat from every poor my stomach dropped to my pelvis. My eyes would get blurry and hearing would seem to fade out. I found the best way to get through. It was deep breathing. Breathing exercises and meditation even though I'm not good at meditation. Any attempt at it is better than none. Now. Once in awhile I'll get some anxiety but it's nothing like it used to be and it seems to be fading more and more. I'm about to put myself through more stress. I'm about to move overseas to Southeast Asia. Instead of being anxious about it, I actually am welcoming it. I'm sure there's some anxiety of the details, but is nothing compared to what it could have been years ago. I'm good with me now. I'm an introvert. I'm alone but not lonely. But when I get to where I'm going I am going to look for a long-term, serious relationship with a woman that is good for me. I don't even care what she looks like too much as long as she is kind. Patient smiles often and cares about me. A needle in a haystack but I'm going to look anyway and if I don't find it I'll still be fine. Maybe I'll live longer with the right person, but I've already lived a pretty a long time.

[@davidcooks2379]

Vit D, Magnesium, 5-HTP, Ashwagandha

[@leonniceday6807]

Very well said ! "So it doesn't really matter, just do your thing, do the things you love doing, chase your goals without thinking twice, have no regrets in life."

[@CibitiPro]

Your journey with anxiety and the search for meaning is deeply moving. Finding purpose through personal passions and helping others can indeed provide a sense of fulfillment. It's about creating a life with no regrets and finding joy in both small and significant actions. This balance between personal goals and altruistic deeds can lead to a richer, more meaningful life.

[@shereenlibra]

I’m right with you on this!

[@web_jar6630]

This is probably the most important educational video I have ever seen. As an introvert myself, I used to discount the value of relationships. But as I am growing older I am realising that this has REAL consequences.

[@Shadow_banned_by_YouTube]

Let’s suffer together my fellow introvert. I doubt there’s much you can do about it sadly. By adulthood your personality is crystallized

[@if7be]

you will find it fortunate for not being a social person with a deceitful facade

[@sunla]

​@@Shadow_banned_by_KZbinthat's a creepy thing to say. Fits the name :/ Edit: thank you for editing your comment. It was a bit morbid, the edit took it down just a notch.

[@SuperSilverTrees]

​@@Shadow_banned_by_KZbin Well, everybody is alive because of some kind of relationship with soneone else either in the past or now, so the relationships are the base of entire society even for introverts. And btw I do care about Ukraine.

[@betawolfhd]

Yehp

[@perdu6603]

My life changed when I understood that the key to solve my loneliness problem was to stop expecting people to come to me, and to make the effort to go to them and actually get interested in them I can't stress how miraculous the results are. Basically everyone is craving for attention. If you give it to them, they will be your best friends

[@atriyakoller136]

But don't they just start using you for attention? I've been trying to do this with varying degrees of success yet in the end I simply get tired of almost everyone. Even if I like them a ton, there comes this point where I feel either too tired of them or realise that I don't have anything left to make them happy around me 😭 the latter is prevalent now, and it's also part of the reason why I feel so tired of people, yet still so lonely... And numb. I don't understand how relationships work. Jokes are probably the most difficult thing for me, especially when you go past homes about common interests to jokes around a person's behaviour or just more personal jokes.

[@rosieroise5870]

how do you make friends?

[@perdu6603]

@@atriyakoller136 Hmm there are a lot of points in what you're saying, I'll try to address them as good as I can: - what do you mean by "using you" for attention? Everyone wants attention and it's a normal thing. Besides, it costs you almost nothing to give - Why do you get tired of them? Have you tried asking new questions, to find new common interests? - it's not your job to make other people happy. (If I assume correctly what you mean) I understand the frustration of being around people that don't seem to get better, but ultimately their happiness is their own responsibility and you're probably doing much more than you realise by being around them - you don't have to force yourself into doing jokes if that's not your thing

[@atriyakoller136]

@@perdu6603 I'll try to explain the first point: they tell you all about things, you listen, ask questions, but as soon as you find something to say, no one would listen back, especially if you can't articulate your feelings properly, which, sadly, happens to me. So, you're there for people whenever they ask but have no one to turn to and get annoying. Has been happening less to me online since I have more accepting friends onlinez but IRL it feels like a chore - as for questions about new common interests, it's interesting, but after a time I feel like I just run out of ideas to ask about no matter what. I get deeply interested in some things people may find weird and I'm very worried about that, and sometimes I feel like I'm alone in sharing those interests (like fandoms, video games, music, etc). And I feel like asking about them is awkward since a lot of people I know have never heard of them and don't find them very interesting - that's actually an issue that I've discussed with my therapist when I was struggling with burning out from teaching English as a foreign language after a few years and a year into the covid pandemic. My question was how to make communication better and do more so that communication goes smoothly and my therapist brought up the point that both sides have to put in the effort and not just me. And I was talking about that since that is how I felt during classes when I gave out communication tasks - like I was the one that had to do the job. That's, however, work experience, and at that time I had too few interactions outside of work. And in life right now it's not really about making unhappy people happier, it's about making them happier by my side so that I would be needed and not left alone at the first opportunity... I just feel like I'm sinking in society and every effort I make to swim up I get drowned in more things I'm unable to understand and don't know if I ever would understand... But that last point hits home. I am not sure what it is, and the idea that I'm pushing my responsibility for my happiness onto others with how I act suddenly came to me, which also just feels even more depressing...

[@victoryX4]

I find that anyone who i actually WANT to hang out with and be friends with doesn’t want that with me.

[@danev1969]

I have always felt that being close to friends and family as well as a life-long (I'm 81 now) continued learning of any subject I was curious about, contributes to my overall satisfaction, self-confidence, and the awareness that all people are connected. Being involved with those in our local “village” seems to be built into our DNA, and quickly becomes the source of feeling we belong and generally happy with our lives.

[@trop1cal5k1ttles]

Huge respect for being 81 and not letting changing/new technologies get in the way of your search for knowledge. That is my goal in life

[@danev1969]

For sure, changing yourself to the changing world around you is a key. That's the very nature of life. @@trop1cal5k1ttles

[@CrochetLover85]

@UnitTrace😊(38yo)

[@Pierre61]

@UnitTrace We got our porn from Danish magazines, not pixels :)

[@schm00b0]

What actually makes people happy is living in a just, equal, compassionate and non-judgemental society which takes care of its people. What actually makes people happy is living in a society that provides free healthcare, free education, free housing and a sense of belonging to a community. What actually makes people happy is not living in a constant fear of going broke, starving, getting harassed or murdered by the police or the military. What actually makes people happy is not living in a dystopia lobbied by billionaires killing countless millions in order to buy a new yacht or a new wife. What actually makes people happy is not having to worry about capitalist sociopaths running and destroying the world. If we lived in a better world, we wouldn't feel the way we do. If our society was a better one, we wouldn't fall sick as often, we wouldn't be attracted to addictions as much, we wouldn't fear as much, we wouldn't be exhausted all the time. While you SHOULD have good relations with your friends, your family and have a pet, what you should really do is vote left, support any minorities and join a union and a protest against your exploitative employer (if it doesn't endanger your livelihood). It's easy for a white male American (or Canadian, or Australian, or anybody from the 'global north') to make videos on YT (and make money) about the benefits of social connections but it doesn't have anything to do with the truth of the 'global south' dying to make various everyday necessities for 'global north' who are at the same time being egregiously exploited, underpaid and lied to. The people in the 'global north' are at this point just a few dollars away from the people exploited in the 'global south'. The only difference is that people in the 'global north' are not being bombed by a foreign country. They are being killed and imprisoned by their own countries.

[@garyandcandy]

My favorite line in this video was "I want as many kids as I can afford" it's ties what we know we need from a practical point (money) to what we want from a deeply emotional point (family/connection). The answer of "which" provides happiness can't be answers because they are both necessary. A large family that's barely fed is not a happy place nor is "crying alone on a yacht" . Great video!

[@500werewolf]

"Relationships protect our Brains" really hit me hard. I had Grandparents that lived long happy lives, when they moved into a nursing home they were put in separate rooms. When my Mom finally got the staff to get them a shared room, Grandpa unfortunately passed due to health complications before they got their room. Grandma's dementia (which was minimal to nonexistent before Grandpa's passing) ramped up and she was never the same. She too passed within a year of Grandpa's passing. It was pretty much accepted by our family that losing Grandpa was the cause of her fall into dementia and her eventual goodbye. That to me is the strongest proof how powerful relationships are to people.

[@lauracruz2021]

They should have never been separated. May your grandparents rest in peace.

[@not-the-main-character]

I’m sorry for your losses

[@Dev_Nath]

Why TF would you put a married couple in different rooms

[@comfortable_east]

Opposite is true as well. Toxic relationship can eat away at our brains and have long term negative consequences for both health and psyche.

[@greenanubis]

I witnessed a same situation. But i dont think this happens because some disability ramps up. Its because losing someone who shared your cognitive load and emotional processing. Its like losing a lobe of brain. Looks like dementia.

[@zontiaczontiac4104]

"Maybe the real treasure was the friends we made along the way" is a comment that is now getting old, ok, now it is time to reverse it. Maybe the real existencial crysis was the friends we didn't make along the way

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Wow, so it is true.

[@shantanukulkarni8883]

One piece ending revealed

[@rainzerdesu]

But i'm with that intro girl. I'd rather be rich with friends than broke with friends.

[@kaeri1853]

@@rainzerdesu I'd rather be broke with friends than rich with no friends.

[@rainzerdesu]

@@kaeri1853 The study showed that wealth increased happiness for all but the bottom 15% of people in terms of their emotional well being. If you're in the bottom 15%, you have issues that need therapy not money or imaginary friends that you've lost because of your mental health disorder. If you're not in the bottom 15%, then money would make you measurably happier.

[@rushayhays7524]

I was so relieved when the video pointed out that spending a lot of time alone isn’t the same thing as being lonely and that it actually boils down to whether you feel socially fulfilled or not.

[@positronalpha]

It's a distinction that only an introvert can understand :). I slowly implode if I don't get regular and plenty of time alone to tinker with projects, create, read, watch movies and series, play console games (single-player, obviously). Then, when I'm fully charged with energy from getting enough time alone, I love to socialize with wife, friends and strangers.

[@Bananakid11]

I'm on the other side of the spectra. Just with time which I spent alone could I learn to become my own best friend. I was like 20 y.o. when I found myself alone while making frie and cooking something. I was always surrounded by other humans, also in the online world, at least that I'm aware off. It was super strange to sit there and realise, damn, I've never spent time on my own on purpose. Of course were there times I was alone, but then always doing something that distracted me from myself. Now, around 8 years later, I find myself in that weird situation where I crave for time spending alone. Also, I drastically cut down my social life and focused the same energy towards less, but morr qualitative relationships. That works for me and I feel very good about it. Just from time to time do I think, maybe I should regain some old friendships, but most of the time thats just holding to something old that's burned out. So yeah, we are not only on one side of this spectra. It's an always evolving network of personal development.

[@woutervanr]

As someone who was always really introverted, I do want to warn everyone though. You do still need something. BUT ALSO, you may be lying to yourself! As I got out of highschool and into uni I found that I did actually need more conversations with friends and people than I thought. I was just afraid of making connections and about what others would think of me in high school. Don't get me wrong, I'm still quite introverted and not one to get into the spotlight, but clearly enjoy hours on end with family as well. Or talking over dinner, instead of just watching TV all the time. I feel really happy after those things and I sleep well then. TL;DR Check if you're as introverted as you think. Maybe you have just not met the right people yet.

[@sarah12232]

​@@positronalpha I am a hardcore extrovert and I love a good solitude, even though I'm feeling lonely often, I still want my solitude everyday

[@lamia.thira.lowenstein]

i'm isolated and have no career the last 2 years, but i'm happy. not the happiest in my life, but the longest period of happiness. my mom also has money, so money helps a lot in not making me worry. so minimal money for survival and lack of social pressure is my formula for happiness

[@xtro153]

I related to that. I'm also going through similar things as you mentioned. I wouldn't say I'm quite happy but still I'm not overly unhappy either. Minimal money for survival and doing research on the internet to learn things... To understand life better.

[@charron1]

@lamia But is your Mom Happy with this arrangement? sometime ones happiness comes at the cost of someone's else's Sadness

[@Medea007]

Don't be too comfortable, she won't be there forever.

[@nikhilPUD01]

what if you where sent into the space with lots of money. alone

[@VarunGupta3009]

Wow... I am obese, don't exercise, highly introverted, and feel extremely lonely all the time. This was such a wake-up call. This could possibly be the most important video of my life.

[@alvinrahmanwafi]

Wish you all the best ❤

[@johnofalltrades2000]

God bless, brother.

[@danielamareen7321]

Sometimes that's why I love the internet...all this wealth of knowledge and experience being shared, is only a positive sum to the world.

[@andyreact]

Start researching keto or carnivore and intermittent fasting, all excellent for weight loss and general health! 👍

[@Max_Janszen]

If you're around Reno, NV stop by, Lake Tahoe is beautiful 😊

[@PianoUniverse]

I find I'm happiest when I'm looking forward to something I like. And also when most problems in my life are resolved.

[@PianoUniverse]

@@JGalegria yes it is. Its the best I can do.

[@joefawcett2191]

good comment, its hard to be optimistic if you don't have anything to look forward too

[@jankiprasadsoni6793]

Exactly why there is no one thing that can make you happy forever, you're bound to get bored of it eventually no matter what it is. People crave for money because that's what they're lacking

[@jcreature11]

@@JGalegria not really it’s literally what makes most people happy.

[@tonyblighe5696]

Often it is better to journey in hope than to arrive.

[@Steve_K2]

At about 21 minutes we're told good relationships depend on constant, regular reinforcement. I didn't know this when I started, years ago, to end the day talking with my wife about the day's events, tomorrow's plans, anything we'd forgotten to mention earlier. These ten minutes are part of our daily routine, and may be part of the reason we're still deeply in love after 54 years together. I wish I had started it decades ago, not years ago but, as is said, better late than never. Hope it helps.

[@TomoHawKzZ]

I'm 27, to be married to my fiancée of 3 years (together for 6) next year, and we have done this from almost day one. Every morning we say good morning, no matter where we are (I work awkward shifts and am often away early), every day we ask how eachother is, every day after work we ask how our days were, and every time we leave eachother the last thing we tell eachother is I love you. We did it naturally in the beginning, then somewhere a little bit in I felt myself waning in this rutt of a daily routine, but had the realization, and made the decision, that I have to consciously put in the effort to still say those little things every day. Because I always want our experiences, good and bad, to be open and freely shared so we can always look out for one another, and god forbid anything ever happens to one of us, I want our last words to eachother to always be I love you. Even on the very rare occassions that we argue or get upset with one another, I will never leave the house or go to sleep without saying it, bscause disagreements in solid relationships are only ever temporary due to how your day is going, or are small obstacles for love to overcome.

[@Rowboaty]

Love this! ❤

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

To understand, study... To live in peace, watch this 👉The Connections (2021) [short documentary]💖

[@noname4u2see]

and when the routine stops it should be a signal that something is wrong, but we let things go or ignore them till its too late

[@curtisjackson3645]

Stealing this and using it in my relationship too! Thanks kind stranger :)

[@Me_Caveman]

I am happiest when overcoming adversity. As long as there is something to overcome, I will always be happy.

[@deathgu1se]

I am happiest when there is no adversity. As long as there is nothing to worry about, I will always be happy.

[@sollamander2206]

About a year and half ago I reconnected with a bunch of friends after an extended period of isolation (over 5 years). It is honestly incredible how much better my mental health is as a result. I had been ducking my friends for quite a while but a couple of them made an extra effort to invite me to a friend's birthday party. Going out that night might be the best decision I ever made.

[@tilakmehrotra]

yes it's really good

[@Frostwho]

That’s dope, I’m happy for you.

[@Dasereignis80]

Nice!! I just passed 6 months of isolation, and it's really amazing when you see your friends again. We're social animals. I don't know you, but you can be proud of yourself. :))

[@omniyambot9876]

When I did this, I have initially insecurity problems, cognitive problems, and interaction problems, it was so hard but I managed to become normal again. What I think tho the most important thing is gratitude. To add, when I was lonely I want all people to be sad and my brain is so toxic. Now I want everybody to be satisfied/comfortable.

[@bailey125]

I had a similar experience. After I finished school I ended up distancing myself from everyone for about 2 years. I was depressed and lonely but for some reason I randomly decided to message an old friend and we decided to meet up (This was about 3 years ago now). We just went to mcdonalds and talked for a bit about life and stuff. I then got reintroduced to his friends and then their friends. I'm quite a bit more social now compared to how I was but I'm still striving to improve things. I'm still self concious but I've been improving my mental health day by day and being more open with people. Asking people for help sometimes instead of keeping it all bottled inside is also extremely healthy. Sending that message that day was the best decision I had made in a long time.

[@MrPhiltri]

Speaking as a 29 y.o. having recently lost cash income, I have to say that it's hard to keep your social relations when your not earning a solid amount. Not because, the people are bad, but because doing social stuff is not for free and making new friends isnt either.

[@Lizlodude]

Yup. Society pretty much requires that people have money to function, and if you don't have enough it can cause other problems. Where exactly "enough" falls for any individual varies wildly though.

[@THEEMZ911]

Yeah, its hard to keep doing things with friends when pretty much everything costs money. Everything also costs time. Most peoples time is spent at work making money. It's a horrible cycle.

[@APW554]

Maybe join a club which has no joining fee ? Walking club ? Cycling club ?Just a thought …..

[@MrMojo271]

You can go for a walk with a friend, that’s free and healthful

[@kvazau8444]

Sounds like you had Yuppie friends

[@lorenam8028]

I think the main thing about relationships is that they are mental exercise: when you tell people an anecdote, you're exercising your memory; when you're discussing something, you're exercising your vocabulary and logic; when you laugh with someone, you're exercising your perspective shifting; if the person you're talking with does not speak your native language, you may also be exercising your linguistic abilities. In short, you're using your brain. And everything about the body is the same: use it, or lose it.

[@raze956]

"And everything about the body is the same: use it, or lose it." that is very true. im looking into alzheimers for a while now, and the two most important things for prevention so far seem a) healthy relationships with all kinds of people for reasons you mentioned, its exercise for the brain unlike much else, b) a purpose even in age, for many this purpose is still family or community and c) physical exercise, since exercise activates the brain in so many areas that it has a huge preventive aspect in regards to alzheimers. also, sugar is suspected to also play a role here, alzheimers is also called diabetes type 3. but to my knowledge, it is not proven yet.

[@sw6118]

Interesting idea, entirely possible. I think we’re herd animals and that we literally need contact, it soothes us.

[@nondescriptbeing5944]

So that's why my brain is mush

[@criticalrevel]

U a very smart person... Or i am very dumb either way thx

[@bookashkin]

Added bonus: laughter is also physical exercise. Guess it's probably why "belly laughs" are called that.

[@aaronvu6292]

Being Thankful and Agency are the biggest ingredients to be happy: being content of what you have, and in control and the consequence of your actions.

[@VidralliaArchives]

My first job was minimum wage with no benefits, but my coworkers became like a second family to me. I left to find higher pay. My second job paid nearly twice as much and had a long list of benefits but I quit after less than a year because the people treated me horribly. Money be damned, my first job paid me ten times more.

[@sukmidri]

Just say your second job was harder and requires more work that you didn't want to do. Adults can read through the lines anyways

[@suvendudas5391]

​@@sukmidriI think it depends man...if you really self-aware you know money happiness gets fade away as time goes....I think human gets bored as time passes...when I got my first job I thought that everything will be sorted...but it didn't as I thought...

[@M_Andras]

I always say that the shittiest job can be enjoyable if your coworkers are good but even the best job can make your life hell if the coworkers are assholes.

[@aaronjackman4037]

Hotel/ Service industry?

[@overflowbeats6965]

You can tell who hasn’t had to work a job w/ asshole coworkers. El oh el.

[@toejamr1]

I learned just what true happiness was when I was 35. I had a bit of a midlife crisis and sold much of my stuff and packed away the rest. I set out to hike the Appalachian Trail alone. I was proud to say to people when they asked “you’re going alone?!” And I would proudly say “yep” as if it were the only option in my head. Then, once I got out there and found I truly wasn’t ready for the physical or mental side of hiking for 2200 miles over 6 month I started breaking down. As a lifelong loaner I started feeling like I needed someone just to feel bad with and maybe try to cheer each other up. I finally ran across a group of people hiking together who many were in the same position as me not long before. The instant I ran into these people they invited me into their group and I felt like i could actually carry on. My mood changed and I felt this primal need to be in a group like it’s been for thousands of years before. I felt more complete than I ever had. Those people changed my life and I will always cherish them and that time over any amount of money I could ever make.

[@mufki]

Very good story

[@sirevanthegreat4015]

I love hikers and hiking so much. Everyone is just so at peace with themselves and happy to be there.

[@toejamr1]

@@mufkithanks. I just remind myself of that story whenever I’m having a rough day. Then I’ll call of those in that same hiking group and make plans to meet up or discuss new gear.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

You got friends, a workout, and a story to tell. That's a W.

[@themoojuice89]

Wow. What a powerful example of the research discussed in the video. Thanks for sharing

[@SoReLSnC]

Derek, you and your team are doing a fantastic job on KZbin. Your channel is among the best on the platform. I hope you'll be around for as much as possible. Society needs your type of content. Never stray from what you guys created. I love your channel, I really do!

[@Abe-db1zg]

"Don't give up on this aspect of your life, 'cause many things can change at any age." I couldn't think of a more perfect message to end this video.

[@jakattak2403]

This comment should have 1000s of likes.

[@Stilgarnaibfremen]

I concur. Derek and the Veritasium team have brought us perspective, wisdom, joy, insight and meaning. The world is a better place thanks to the work and the ideas you've all brought forward. Keep it up and I wish you all the best!

[@novafluxx]

Hear hear!

[@jakattak2403]

@@hungrycrab3297 You should look into a concept called technorealism. I totally agree with everything you've just said but your wading in a psychology territory that has specifically impacted humanity over the last 80 years or so. Think about cigarette smokers, think about the amount of food the richer nations eat, the stuff we buy, the stuff we drink our general way of life. All of these things are bad for us because no one has taught us to self regulate or worse some people don't care they are going to do all these things anyway. Life is so comfortable that we have forgotten how fragile we are and we have also forgotten the cost of that comfort on the environment. I would call this video vegetable media, this is one of the good ones. Maybe one day a platform will exist that will separate the junk from the educational.

[@eujuneca]

All that said, I cannot visualize myself as being happy without a stable financial situation, without having to worry about how much I'll spend going out, buying things I like and just living in general. That, for me, is the most important thing right now

[@simpleuser0001]

Just as a warning to you and everyone who is financially challenged. I have no debt or expenses near my income. In other words, I live with nearly no financial difficulties. I still often feel depressed. You will be happy when you know that you can accomplish that goal. But it's only one goal in life. Once you've accomplished it, you're happiness will wear off and it will be time to work on something else. For me it's getting out of loneliness.

[@skeletonwar4445]

​@@simpleuser0001Sure but I would rather have to worry about just my loneliness rather than my loneliness *and* my financial situation.

[@mofayer]

​@@skeletonwar4445you missed the point. The point is that you're the one who picks what to worry about.

[@skeletonwar4445]

@@mofayer The luxury to pick what to worry about is only available to those with enough money.

[@b.bailey8244]

@@skeletonwar4445 Then why have some of the poorest people on the planet chosen to be as happy as they can despite circumstances of extreme poverty - and they actually are a lot happier than wealthy contemporaries? I believe it's because they have meaningful relationships; family, friend, community - even if it's just a few people - and attending to what they love (hobbies, interests, moving their bodies, being outdoors, tending gardens, for instance.) Young people think money will get them happiness. Wrong; especially today, where the playing field is stacked against the young due to things like AI taking jobs and technocracy. It will get you stability but that can change at any moment. Freedom is everything but it's an internal thing. The people who do ok find ways to tap into this inner peace, contentment, and being present in the moment to wonder and things to be grateful for.

[@johnhu321]

Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it removes a lot of sources of unhappiness

[@rasmasyean]

@@ShannonBarber78 According to the "studies" you also need to be kinda happy to begin with. Statistically, one can expect that if you're just a naturally unhappy person, your happiness might level off at $50K or even less. Like for the bottom 7 percentile? 19:00

[@bonedee4859]

Money absolutely does buy happiness.

[@helvettefaensatan]

Money facilitates happiness. It can take you out of the grind that leads to distress.

[@Dead_Goat]

nah those studies just never gave the unhappiest people enough money to matter.@@rasmasyean

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

Without coin, connections, crews, clout, computer code, control, communities, and opportunities... "happiness" is not only meaningless but it'd be non-sequitur even if it meant whatever people believed.

[@pinkman24]

I love how all the interviews were cut short in the beginning and at the end after everything, people say family friends. Really appreciate your hard work.

[@pauls3075]

Agreed, although that contradicted the whole message of 'young people are increasingly distancing themselves from others'. Were these people just saying one thing and doing the opposite like most of us, (like telling everyone we're going to exercise regularly then never doing it)? I wonder what their lives will be like in 50 years time...

[@swiftdragonrider]

@@pauls3075probably yes as maintaining connection is really hard

[@stnbch3025]

Yeah. That's why murders are often done by the people close to the victims because family and friends knows no drama.

[@dfsdh432v9]

0:21 she drives hyundai.😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@chilisaucier]

​@@pauls3075The question in the beginning was "What leads to a happy life?", so I dont think it necessarily contradicts the statement "young people increasinly distance themselves from others". It's possible to know what would make you happier without having that thing, is what I'm saying. Hope I'm making myself clear! :)

[@rssadh]

1. Striving towards what makes your body healthy. 2. Having meaningful relationships. 3. Having meaningful contribution towards anything you love in terms of your work. 4. Having decent amount of money both in terms of savings/spendings. This will vary from one person to the other but current economical inflation/poverty-line and other factors should tell you how much you need along with your needs. Having a clear mindset of how decent your lifestyle should be will make it easier to determine how much you need. In this specific order.

[@fp5495]

5. This whole post was just an elongated hidden ad for BetterHelp. Yup, these YT personalities truly go through this trouble for ad revenue.

[@devinward461]

​@@fp5495yeah that tracks, unfortunately. Veritasium has sold out quite some time ago

[@evercuriousmichelle]

thank you!!

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

To understand, study... To live in peace, watch this 👉The Connections (2021) [short documentary]💖

[@PolishBehemoth]

youre doing gods worrk rssa

[@99names16]

One thing I am sure of - human beings want to be challenged. Need to be challenged. When one is hedonistic, you believe you are living more life by not depriving oneself of pleasure whenever the mood strikes. Giving in to every urge and impulse because it makes you “happy” may seem right but you’re always going to end up hollow. Controlling your self and knowing you have that strength is the real key to long term success abs happiness. That’s confidence and power. Mastery of self.

[@alguem..]

Everytime I hear veritasium's song near the end of the video I have a good feeling, a feeling of appreciation and gratitute for having this type of content free on yt for so many years. This video especially has more meaning and feelings attached to it because of the theme discussed and since I can relate to the story told about the guy who improved his social life and overall happiness suddenly

[@DriftJunkie]

Pavlovs reaction. First signs of addiction 😅

[@ScorpionF1RE----USA]

you should donate. actually id prefer it if you did

[@steveozone4910]

Helping others always made me happy. No matter how little I did, if i saw I'd made some kind of difference in someones life there's no better feeling.

[@zandrew8648]

Such a wholesome comment. Bruh more people need to like your comment

[@ADUAquascaping]

Yes! Charity is enlightenment. Faith and forgiveness bring forth charity! 🙏 ❤ Also, microdosing helps 😂

[@VSerge_]

I was actually about to comment this. People that deserve the help make me happy if i help them, since they deserve it

[@pandoraeeris7860]

I need some help.

[@cosaryno]

Agreed. Actually "helping others" was my anticipation from the video as well 😅

[@EddieVanAidan]

32 y/old here. Always been introverted, but over the last month loneliness has hit me like a freight train. They don't teach you how to solve these problems in school! Important video 👌

[@Three_Random_Words]

look into micro-dosing, there are even trained licensed therapists for this. It helps the different parts of your brain communicate to each other better.

[@kapuatron]

I feel you brother

[@disposabull]

Try going to a climbing wall, it's a very social sport, gym culture is so toxic these days.

[@Three_Random_Words]

Ever been diagnosed with Aspergers? That's my deal. Except for a neighbor, online friends are the only ones I have.

[@Three_Random_Words]

@@disposabull How 'bout you go climb a wall? lol

[@ericalanrosenfeld]

This channel has been my primary media for years, very grateful for you Derek

[@abidulmaruf4716]

1. Physical fitness 2. Loving relationships That's it for a healthy and meaningful life

[@elvenadohostil8607]

You just don't "love " someone, you do things to show the people that you love, that you love them, and that action, is the meaningful part of a happy relationship.

[@abzinokartelino5035]

don't forget healthy diet is essential

[@erhanmustafa2103]

Hell yea

[@HansGruber_777]

Experiences is #3....all three equal happiness and life fulfilled

[@re4lize]

@@elvenadohostil8607 Exactly! To love is a verb. U have to do something for love.

[@jasonrugg]

What actually makes me happy is every new Veritasium upload

[@PingSharp]

Now I can eat happily for 23 minutes!

[@bobbihansel]

Here here!

[@christophermullins7163]

No doubt. This man is making moves and influencing people to progress their perspectives.

[@lowkeyloki8493]

W

[@heart022]

True

[@koro5555]

One of Veritasium best videos. Ive been lonely and isolated most of my life for the past few years. I cant see the reason to do it, its tiring etc. Until recently I joined a group, and they made me realised how calming it is to have others who share things they do. Building trust to share our problems and insecurities, helping out giving advice and all that gave me confidence. Confidence that I can do the things that I need to do, because I could always return to them if I mess things up. If i were to summarize what I need to work on to be happy: 1) Financially stable 2) Meaningful relationship 3) Meaningful contribution

[@tarawaukeri8928]

I think if we work on number 3, we will get the others for free

[@tarawaukeri8928]

Beautiful read!

[@TH-lo8mq]

Yes. I've noticed that when I am with friends and family on a regular basis, money feels less important.

[@markcleaver6573]

I've never spent time alone, like months alone, until now at 67y.o. Tight connections with loved ones around you completes the individual.

[@AtomicPunk23]

9:52 Thank you for delineating between loneliness and being alone. My favorite line from the Tao Te Ching is “Ordinary men hate solitude. But the Master makes use of it, embracing his aloneness, realizing he is one with the whole universe.” The secret to defeating loneliness is not blindly seeking out others; it's making friends with your true self and learning to make your own happiness.

[@XiangLiu-z7d]

It's a wide spectrum. Personally, I find relationships a big burden. A happy day for me will be a day without phone calls, visitors and noise.

[@mikesully110]

@@XiangLiu-z7d Same, some people crave attention and need it. I am not one of those people, being around people all day every day stresses me out. But maybe having to work to live is what causes this as I am forced to be in that situation more than I can really handle

[@Miss_an100]

Thank you. And his point proves your point. It’s fomo that’s the real threat. If we didn’t think negatively about being alone, we wouldn’t feel negative or stressed about it at all. My grandparents were pastors and I saw the detriment to their health as they got older. Always someone they could call and talk to if they wanted but it was never enough and in fact brought loads of drama into their life. More people, more troubles. I do appreciate coming home to my husband to talk to and take peaceful walks with. Maybe I would utilize the internet to connect to others if I didn’t have him and felt very needy for it. Or join a hobby club and find like minded people there I could rely on for venting every once in a while. Or use any opportunity out and about to connect to people but not with any other expectations. Or write it out in a journal and then do something nice for myself. May be just as healthy.

[@re4lize]

You are an introvert ;). Which is fine. Other people kinda need more connection as stated in the video aswell. Many paths. But yeah. I think the key is to really get to know yourself to set the guidelines on what to focus on. For me personally: I always thought I am a complete extrovert cause people told me. Actually I am not and since I realised this, I am way happier :)

[@AtomicPunk23]

@@re4lize I totally am :D. I wouldn't need an imaginary talking volleyball to get through a "Castaway" experience. As long as I had books... and ideally electricity, movies, games, and internet access. I probably should have finished the comment by saying if your own happiness truly includes others, great! As @user-vf5ft8pw6d said it's a wide spectrum. It's the people who fear to be alone and seek out others purely out of insecurity I feel bad for.

[@BlockoStudios]

Something that's very important to note is that a lack of money and achievement is certain to decrease happiness - one of the reasons a lot of these college students instinctively shout "money" is because they don't have it. Their daily lives are often regulated by their budget - what they eat, where, and when, and which luxuries they can afford i.e. seeing their favorite artist in concert or going on vacation.

[@FunctionallyLiteratePerson]

Or rent, tuition, et cetera

[@eugenetswong]

It would be interesting to see what rich kids in rich colleges say.

[@blacxthornE]

yeah by money people don't mean richness, they mean security. you can't afford to worry about a social life if you're preoccupied with whether you'll still have shelter in december.

[@franksmadale]

Very good take.

[@alexsoupir]

The hard part is learning how to make friends, find significant others, etc outside of work as an adult. Spent so much time in school and postdoc that now it feels like life is work with no hobbies, no way of meeting people that aren't colleagues, endless cycle of sleep work eat sleep. There's no comfortable way of changing it so it's a dark spiral that, personally, doesn't feel like it's going to be broken. And I'm not the only one that feels that way where I work so I know it's not just me. People with already "healthy" social lives are quick to say "it's easy just xyz" or "find a hobby", but it's not that easy for many.

[@riggs234]

Well said 👍 As he said in the video,l though, things can change quickly for the better :)

[@ConceptHut]

If you'd like to know how let me know.

[@typhonnix]

​@@ConceptHutI'm sure we'd all like to know

[@iiFallenWish]

If you wanted to, if it was important enough, you would

[@konstantinossarlis2214]

It's the typical 9-5 (or worse with shifts and stuff) rat race that along with the rest of the obligations leaves you without time or more often energy (And I bet doing a postdoc is even more brutal on that regard). Building relationships/friendships does not happen automatically, it requires a lot of time/energy. People are extremely misled believing that becoming rich d magically earn them friends or worthwhile relationships or time/energy but the reality is, unless you are basically born into money, being a true self-made rich/semi-rich person requires extreme sacrifices on all aspects of life. Money d just allow you to suppress (maybe not even that) the void, they ll never fill it. And the crying on a yacht phrase is really idiotic as well, because clearly there is an option C, not crying at all.

[@ts25679]

Money can and does buy you happiness; money also buys you time, respect, opportunities, education, health, homes, good nutrition, family, hobbies and so much more.

[@cupwithhandles]

If money buys you respect, it might be a superficial kind of respect-the kind from those who value you for your wealth rather than your character. It's important to recognize that it might be your ego enjoying the attention that you think money brings, but true respect is rooted in who you are, not what you have. Often, what you perceive as respect may actually be envy, which some traditional beliefs consider "the evil eye." I want to clarify that I'm not advocating for asceticism, nor am I against material wealth. In fact, by Western standards, I am financially well-off. However, money can't buy extra time. We all have an appointed day, and no amount of wealth can change that. In some cases, wealth might even hasten one's demise rather than prolong it. While money is undeniably useful for opportunities, education, and homes, it's only part of the equation. Valuable education can often be obtained at a low cost. True health isn't something you can purchase; it's a lifestyle choice. Exercise doesn't require expensive equipment or memberships, and nutritious meals can be prepared affordably with the right knowledge. A fulfilling family life doesn't hinge on financial wealth; it's about the quality of relationships and lifestyle choices. Many enjoyable hobbies are free or inexpensive to pursue. I understand your perspective, and I know that money is a blessing and often the byproduct of people with good character applying it to noble professions. My intention is simply to offer an alternative viewpoint.

[@renaissanceman5847]

@@cupwithhandles it may be superficial respect... but it is respect nonetheless. wealth has bought us time... the poor on average live shorter lives due to vices, harder work, and higher stress. sure there are outliers. Health can be purchased should genetics be the same. so if you're rich but unhappy, un informed and unhealthy (by choice) then you're doing it wrong.

[@sonhuynh8222]

Money buys freedom and that is happiness. Freedom to live anywhere and close to fam and friends. Freedom to not have to deal with a Boss. Freedom to great medical care. Freedom to good nutritional foods.

[@atharvaanandsoni8583]

Money SAVES time, it doesn't buy extra time, like you can't buy an extra hour per day using some subscription. As far as education is concerned, money buys OPPORTUNITIES for education, but hardwork, interest and sheer will are required to attain a specialisation in a field. Money doesn't buy respect, just some sugar coated flies who are eager to suck out their favourable resources from you. As far as a family is concerned, you can buy a prostitute, but you need to be capable of having a healthy relationship and the capacity to grow together. In short, money is NECESSARY, but NOT SUFFICIENT for leading a peaceful life.

[@renaissanceman5847]

@@atharvaanandsoni8583 you sound bitter

[@ffc1a28c7]

I think it's important to note that it's not really money that people are wanting to be happy; it's the freedom associated with it. If you don't have money, there are a bunch of other factors that become relevant (the need to cook, to find childcare, worrying about rent, etc). I think it's reductive to combine the need for money as a way to prevent these factors from influencing you and the pursuit of a career.

[@gLitCheRR44]

that final sentence is a word salad

[@karigrandii]

It’s not as simple as that. There are many levels of symbology, ideology etc that plays into that.

[@snottyboy9983]

​@@karigrandiithank you for giving an example of a word salad. I wasn't sure what it meant 😊

[@brightphoebesays]

The happiness plateau of $75,000. USD/yr was insulting to me. I'd be lucky if I made $35,000. CAD.

[@jzyyz]

If needing to cook is an issue, learn to like cooking. It's a rewarding skill, especially when you can cook for others.

[@jeremylee48]

I feel like most people when they answered "money" they actually meant "having enough money to maintain relationships without worrying about starving", which is really sad, because it's saying that we live in a society that allows for money to be so powerful that it dictates what kinds of quality relationships we can expect.

[@SiMeGamer]

Before "money" it was the same. Instead of coins, bills and digital currency, it was barter. Your first concern was getting enough crop to grow. To find enough berries in the forest. To get enough fish in the river. To have enough people need your skills in woodwork. Money is a tool of exchange. Today it is just as valuable as it ever was because the mechanics of trade haven't changed. You want something, you have to pay for it. Some have more, some have less. I'd argue money, especially digital currency, has made us lonelier due to the exchange step being pretty much completely bypassed which leads to less physical interaction. But as far as happiness is concerned, money plays the same role as it always has even before it. You just live in such a convenient time and incredible standard of living that you might have a distorted view on it. Not to mention you hearing about it. I can promise you that in olden times, instead of talking about money they would talk about yields in the field and cattle in their farms. The change is that it all became one thing (a good thing) that connected all these productions into one so obviously we hear it a lot. If you change the word money into "the ability to procure products and services" you'll have a much easier time understanding what I tried to say here. Money is a net good. It represents a lot. Demonizing it seems like a pointless cause. You'll hate your life when money is not part of it and you will replace it with something else that serves the exact same function. Money is great. Learn to love it and appreciate it. Don't pursue it as an end in itself. It is a mere tool of exchange. It's not a goal. It's a means to an end. Treat it as such. Nobody owes you anything after all, so earning it should give you a boost in self esteem - selfishly as proof of competence or altruistically by providing goods and services. Money is not your enemy.

[@AvanaVana]

After “without worrying about starving” you forgot “…while simultaneously always having the newest iPhone, a car, and fresh $300 sneakers”

[@mr_koko2070]

What do you mean?? People always have needed to work so they'd gain something, money has made economics A LOT easier, it's not sad at all - reality is just often disappointing, that's it... it has really nothing to do with society tbh

[@TheOmegaXicor]

@@mr_koko2070 we don't need to live in a society where people go hungry, we do because the system is broken and society let's them.

[@mr_koko2070]

@@TheOmegaXicor What nonsense are you talking about - society has nothing to do with it. Please find me anybody that is willing to serve me food for free... and people are usually able to get food for themselves, they are just too lazy or addicted to alcohol or something to actually change their way of living - it's those starving people's choice to live like that, not our problem.

[@jeremypage]

The title didn't appeal to me at first, but after watching, it's been one of the most moving and thought-provoking videos I've seen in a very long time

[@raguaviva]

So sad that only in your 50+ you are thinking about these things

[@ThatsNotGaming]

Why sad lol? Better late than never. So long as you are alive ain't no time like the present.@@raguaviva

[@kevindevlieger300]

@@raguaviva So sad to assume. Minding your own business also is one of the key ingredients to be happy.

[@brandonharley44]

@@kevindevlieger300 mind ur own business bro

[@kevindevlieger300]

​@@brandonharley44 What about you minder your business?

[@Barnardrab]

Normally I hate it when educators abruptly interrupt their own content with sponsor ads, but this one actually fits with the topic being discussed. I even sat through the ad this time.

[@whataboutthis10]

Nah betterhelp is very problematic, borderline scammy, very not good

[@Barnardrab]

@@whataboutthis10 The ad isn't relevant to me personally, but it's probably the most relevant ad to any video I've seen. Most of the time, sponsor ads are completely irrelevant to the content you're viewing, taking on the effect of a distraction. As for its authenticity, ever since the Established Titles scam, I've never trusted sponsor ads. KZbinrs who do those are selling their integrity and reputation for money.

[@chrismuratore4451]

As someone who has lived with loneliness since early childhood, I can confirm 100% that it will devastate so much of your life to not have meaningful connections.

[@ANJIN-p4q]

I'll take lonely and happy over unhappy and lonely

[@famlivingroom1790]

I'm doomed

[@quintenmc]

@@daotheeternalnamelessbeyon8778 I tried to read your comment several times as it's written rather poorly, however you seem to call loneliness nothing more than a state of mind, and while to some extend it is. Humans are social creatures, we evolved to rely on a group. Not many can just deny their primal instincts, sure most can temporarily ignore them but very few can hold that for their entire life.

[@JAFKA_00]

⁠@@quintenmcyeah I agree on that. There is value in being able to step back and reflect on your feelings, seeing it as a state of mind. But We are still human, we still feel, and have to mindfully feel what we experience. My feeling of oneness when meditating comes from feeling what I am feeling. And loneliness is often part of that. I try to acknowledge it and feel it, even if it hurts

[@user-og6hl6lv7p]

Unfortunately this doesn't bode well to those people who keep insisting that "being single and alone is bliss!". Studies show it's bad for your health, the equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day! So yeh, get out there and fall in love folks!

[@cooldaniel6]

Kinda brings a tear to my eye how eloquently he said the words I’ve always felt in my heart. Family and relationships are everything.

[@DPD3550]

frrr

[@victorfranca85]

No way. I love my alone time. Skill building is what makes me happy. People are not responsible for my happiness. Its a nice romantic notion but it falls apart when people around you are narcissists

[@ShitlordMcDoge]

​@@victorfranca85well, not all of us live surrounded by narcissists, stop making everything about yourself

[@not2hot99]

Well said, ​@@ShitlordMcDoge

[@ZeN-wy9vp]

Having solid relationships in life is such a blessing, this video was a eye opener. As an introvert I have trouble connecting with people, but I am really glad to have few people that are really close to me. This video motivates to focus on things which we almost always take as granted.

[@Marco-717]

You say the same thing year after year. Get it together already before it's too late.

[@SyntheticFuture]

Often it's the people that "have a lot of friends" that have no friends at all. It's not a numbers game.

[@bro918]

@@Marco-717 What are you talking about

[@ekay4495]

Sadly I don't have those, and only ever had them for a bried period of time (1+ ish year)

[@BrigetteWaltershield]

The BIGGEST LIE You've Been Told About Money is that it doesn't grow on TREES!!

[@CamdenVanderlaan]

Diversification is the key. My portfolio is well diversified with the help of a financial adviser. This helps me make more than +400% monthly on my investments.

[@CamdenVanderlaan]

I've experimented with a few over the past years, but I've stuck with ‘’Nicole Anastasia Plumlee” for about five years now, and her performance has been consistently impressive. She’s quite known in her field, look her up.

[@CalvinActs]

@veritasium These comments are a obvious investment scam. Please remove. Never get financial advice and investment strategy from the youtube comment section.

[@Faltz013]

SCAMMMMM!

[@qbtc]

Video Summary - Things that make people happy: 1. Exercise - keeps healthy both body and mind 2. Eating well 3. Meaningful relationships - good ones particularly spousal make people happier and protect their brains from memory loss and dementia, also stave off loneliness and regulate stress/emotions all of which increase risk of heart disease and stroke, etc 4. Meaningful work 5. Money - more doesn't make the least happy people happier but does increase happiness in those that are already happy

[@prashantnaik8273]

Depending on other person to be happy sounds ridiculous to me

[@shift307]

MVP comment

[@IntrovertedLoLo]

Doing Gods work

[@parslankhalid5041]

and a feeling of purpose and accomplishment

[@christopher-gardner]

Thank you for saving me 23 minutes. I'm not surprised to hear this, we keep inventing new ways to do things and be happy but we forget we've already been here for thousands of years and we already figured it out. We keep going against the grain and look how miserable people are now, everyone hates each other.

[@treytopham]

I’ve found for me that helping others when I have free time is the most fulfilling, maybe not happy but definitely something. I am a physics tutor and when I help people outside of my tutoring hours with physics, I am more excited to be helping than during my tutoring hours.

[@mondvogel6124]

thats probably because it comes without strings and a "must do this now" attached. if helping others would move from being at your own time, with your own rules, to being managed from outside, your feelings would likely change on that

[@utkua]

Religion says the human is corrupt and only with their ways they can be fixed, that is a scam. Humans are good by birth, they become evil when they dehumanize others,. which is often via religion, race etc.

[@VicJang]

very true. I’m fortunate to have developed a positive feeling when helping people from a very young age. My mom recalls that I stated that I enjoyed helping people when I was early in elementary school, which I couldn’t even remember myself.

[@spacecowboy5274]

ok then let me make you excited Why does refraction occur?

[@goldnutter412]

Exaaaaactly giving is getting. We're here to realise that it's not all about ME ME ME The opposite is the purpose of evolution, we fear the unknown future so much that we behave in selfish ways, and hurt each other in a cyclical fashion.. people take what they have experienced and internalize it without logic.. we hold grudges, etc etc.. combative behaviour Large post above about it please look..

[@kenjileach]

I'm 71 and I've found that having a "Thankful State of Mind" is Happiness.

[@ReallyOriginalname]

do you mean to be thankful for everything that happens

[@assassin16322]

What do you mean by a "thankful State of Mind"?

[@JosephBanks20]

"Wealth is not measured in how much you have, but how little you need"

[@ralphsaad8637]

Amen, the saddest people I know are just obsessed with chasing unreachable dreams, and eventually end up disappointed when they fail to get there. Chances are there is plenty to be happy and thankful about all around you without having to look very far.

[@Elemblue2]

Instead of saying "More" in your head, saying "Thank you"

[@thehylers1021]

After completing the free course The Science of Well-being, my takeaway was how Time Affluence affects my happiness - having time to get to do the things that you enjoy or are meaningful to you. This insight changed my life.

[@racecarrik]

I don't think money makes you happy directly, but more the indirect consequences of having a lot of money is what creates the happiness. Not worrying about money and being able to just pay for the things you want to do is a huge gateway to happiness. Not having money creates stress and anxiety and makes life worse.

[@arnekamphuis31]

This, i really find it weird and/or dishonest when people ignore this simple part of life.

[@Bacopa68]

If you've been poor you absolutely how just a little money can turn what many would think not very serious problems into very serious problems. When a flat tire turns into juggling bill payments, you are going to be unhappy. Enough money to have stability means everything.

[@B3Band]

It's the difference between "I got a flat tire, and now I can't pay my rent" and simply calling AAA. I was making $11 an hour 4 years ago. I am now a Software Engineer. I'm not rich, but damn does having a savings account make a HUGE difference on my mental health.

[@The.life-long.learner]

I dont think a lot of money is required. Having enough money to sustain your life is enough, and all those money it makes you "financially happy" There is a big difference between this financial and true/sincere happiness of life, that orginate from different areas. I mean, if you take value out of money, you can see humanity regain its value. The hierarchy will be removed. We work for money, but things we need, its all for us. But if money was not there, systems like barter system will come and you work for the societies need, you acknowledge the problems, cause only then you can exchange materials

[@cparks1000000]

Money issues also complicate marriages and friendships.

[@ares395]

As a very depressed person I can tell you that not being lonely would improve my life a lot. Just the feeling of being in a infinitely deep, pitch black hole in the ground is killing me every day. Even my therapist told me that my loneliness is the biggest takeaway from the things I was saying and she suggested some things... but I failed at them and got even more depressed. People often say that you need to 'fix' your mental problems before finding friends, love etc. but what to do when loneliness itself is the problem. Making peace with the fact that realistically there is a big chance that you'll stay lonely till the end of your life is the most heart-wrenching thing anyone might have to experience. People don't want to rot in this state, people don't even want to show that they are in this state because this drives people away and makes them even more miserable. I don't know how people can still be surprised that so many choose to end it, the same people have sympathy for patients with chronic pain but not when it comes to mental health.

[@damianbecker1945]

It is tough. Making connections and keeping them I find difficult but im hoping that giving it time and putting in some effort here and there to get out there more will help me find where i can interact easier. I wish you the best and wouldent mind a conversation someday.

[@teemumiettinen7250]

interesting, im the opposite, I hate being around other people. The only few friends I have are online friends. I am alone, but I dont feel lonely at all.

[@theelite1234]

I feel real friends will not push you away if you show severe signs of loneliness. I would say folk are cruel and unempathetic because of the poor emotional education they have been given, plus some psychological traumas here and there to add to the complications.

[@jacobbartlett331]

I was the same way man. You’ll get through it, and even though it makes me cry sometimes, there’s a good chance I’ll stay lonely till the day I die, only having fleeting moments. All I did was think about my actions and be really introspective, and try and fix everything I could even if one of the biggest contributors is something I can’t ultimately change. I got my first job recently where A lot of my coworkers kinda depend on me and go to me for stuff, and while I still have no friends and no SO, having some purpose and being of use is very fulfilling, I’m still just as lonely and sometimes just having one loyal friend or SO is all I can think about at night, but it doesn’t hurt nearly as much as it did when. TLDR:fix what you can, improve yourself, then try and do something, anything purposeful

[@thenopedetective]

Finding chronic illness communities has been so helpful for me! A lot of my old friendships dissolved because I moved away, and I now have chronic migraines which limit my activity pretty significantly (can't do restaurants, strenuous hikes, bright days). It's not the same as in person friends, but it has really helped me. Particularly on discord where you're actually interacting with the same people on a regular basis.

[@lrwiersum]

I’m a 65 year old woman and I live alone. I’m also well below the poverty line. Man am I HAPPY !! I did the INNER WORK !!! I’m free and peaceful. My kids are grown, I have grandkids and a friend or two. I drive an old paid for car and live in subsidized housing for seniors. I’m on the Autism spectrum so living alone at last is wonderful. I don’t even have a plant ! I take care of myself like it’s my job. I went through absolute HELL with my mental health since the age of 12. Alcoholism, drugs, bad relationships, trouble holding jobs and then years and years of intrusive suicidal thoughts. I used psychedelics to treat my PTSD and got a freaking miracle after years of therapy. So hang in, hang on and never give up.

[@sluggishsnail6236]

❤❤❤

[@brady3xox]

This is wonderful to hear, thank you for sharing.

[@gamers_united558]

That's great, there are many different type of happiness for different people. We are happy you found yours.

[@Nabooru]

It is truly incredible how something like psilocybin can start the threads of untangling years and years of trauma, and it comes with the simplest realization that we are to move with the universe and not try to stand against it, because no one can. Biochemically I know that so much more is going on there to soothe the amygdala, but to burst through the confines of ego is life-changing and freeing. So happy for you!!

[@SpikeSPS]

Thanks for sharing that. A lot of us needed to hear that...

[@dinosutra]

The key factor is not happiness, it's peacefulness. It doesn't matter if your an extrovert or introvert, married or unmarried, billionaire or broke. As long as your in peace then your okay. Our ancestors understood this and that's why on our tombstone it's written "rest in peace" instead of "rest in happiness".

[@joeseabreeze]

I personally found that “balance” is the key to my happiness. Spend time with family and friends, but also have a good amount of alone time. I make enough money to support a modest lifestyle, but have no desire to be filthy rich. I’ve been in bad relationships, then I’ve gotten out. Controlling a good balance has kept me a very happy person all of my life

[@antonioarcudi1897]

This

[@judipierry549]

That’s a Bingo!

[@RyzawaCh]

Dang, this video made me happier than I expected. Robert was so good at explaining things and quite calming to listen to!

[@JudgeyJudgeyable]

I think the most important factor is health (physical and mental). Chronic pain is devastating

[@scottmac]

As someone dealing with chronic pain in my 20s I definitely agree, and it makes me nervous about what things will be like for me by the time I’m middle-aged or older 😥

[@amirthedude1232]

Chronic pain is the worst. All of the tips to leading a better life are tied to physical activity but when simply walking causes you pain it's much harder to apply to your own life.

[@randompianist8359]

@@amirthedude1232 nah thats a common myth, exercise does have a ton of health benefits but recent studies show there's no link between exercise and happiness. those studies found the thing most likely to make you happy is having good social interactions with people especially strangers and volunteering.

[@Elemblue2]

@@randompianist8359Huh.

[@scottmac]

⁠@@randompianist8359while the research previously tying exercise to a reduction in depression has come into question, it is still true that fitness is a central part to overall health and wellness. And it’s difficult to maintain those habits when chronic pain constantly gets in the way. I have to do fitness to help control my muscle issues, but fitness makes my pain worse in the short term even if it helps control it in the long term.

[@AUGUSTINEMINH]

5:21 Physical health and exercise 6:34 The power of relationships 16:48 Achievements and money - Meaning

[@c0mpl3x91]

I have to say... I love that Mr.Waldinger eradiates such happiness and well being.. he's been smiling the whole video. It's somewhat soothing

[@roushnirafamajumder1578]

I agree! I just loved to see his smile all throughout the video ❤

[@HeightIndieClouds]

Thought it said eradicates 💀

[@yodaddy1]

I worked/studied for 70+ hours a week for the past 14 months isolated due to having no time and I absolutely felt miserable even though I felt the same when I did the opposite of that last year. I decided to focus on people this year and took a break from my job, it has been a very different time, in a good way. PS, I did work out an average of 30 minutes a day throughout this time and that provides a stable anti-suicidal base.

[@tarawaukeri8928]

An immensely pleasing comment! Cheers!

[@marniejones331]

Happy for you!!❤

[@rickymort135]

Anti suicide? So you're a pro-lifer...

[@ahuman32478]

@@rickymort135 What

[@randju]

​@@rickymort135😂

[@vivekaaraga]

People around you always make you the happiest. Not money, not materials. Being healthy is a gift we take for granted all the time but even in ill health, the people around, looking after you, caring for you is what makes us happy.

[@atriyakoller136]

Nah, health is still important. In my experience, people move away when you're not healthy enough to sustain your side of the relationship between you and them. I only have my family but my personality is also not the easiest to deal with, so, I'm absolutely devastated by the fact that I can't be the goody bubbly me and make everyone happy because of burning out and also not having enough health for a job. I work 10 hours a week now because we all need money but I barely have enough energy to do it

[@MsChaosbutterfly]

Unless they do the opposite.

[@ChinnuWoW]

People are definitely not the only requirement of being happy. Feeling a sense of accomplishment is also crucial. You need something to work on. Art is important. Pleasure is important.

[@vivekaaraga]

Yes you are right. And if your accomplishments are not appreciated by people around you, you won't be as happy with it. But yes, it's important to achieve things for oneself. @@ChinnuWoW

[@cmdr1911]

The happiest I have been was the most gruelling and trying time in my career. I worked the oil field, I loved the work. It was hard, it was impactful and I had a family to go back to. After nearly a decade and missed milestones in my kids lives I walked away before it consumed everything. Work that matters and seeing the impact is the most important thing.

[@thelastvbuck]

This is why social anxiety is so crippling. It's not like it's going to kill you right away, but the drain of being permanently lonely and unable to socialise really takes it out of you.

[@nutegunray5402]

You can’t let it control you. The mind is moldable

[@timhorton7420]

I already knew what the answer was before I watched the video

[@xelith6157]

​@@nutegunray5402 This is true. A very important lesson I learned in therapy. It's just extremely difficult without the right resources or support system.

[@jon9103]

​@@nutegunray5402easier said than done, frankly without actual advice your comment isn't helpful, it's patronizing.

[@truth2910]

Relationships stress, work stress to name a few can be more damaging than social anxiety. Put social anxiety aside, some people enjoy and do better lonely. This episode is rudimentary, misleading and deceptive. Not the type of content you'd expect to see on this channel.

[@joetomp]

This makes a ton of sense. I work in health insurance for elderly people and I often ask a questionnaire at the end of calls and it includes the question “how frequently do you feel lonely or isolated from people around you?” And I have felt that way often, and knowing how big of a problem it is with this day and age I’m constantly shocked by how many people say never. But I’m realizing that it could be a case of survivorship bias. Where the people who are living longer to be more elderly (meaning I’m more likely to talk with at my work) are more content and satisfied in their relationships.

[@MrFlarespeed]

Oh yeah, lonely people just give up and die when they get old, its why old people have a tendency to "die of heartbreak" when their spouse dies.

[@dfgdfg_]

​@@MrFlarespeedpshhht, I've being dying of heartbreak since my 20s

[@SiMeGamer]

​@@MrFlarespeedmy grandma was in a partial comma and lost her ability to walk when my grandpa died. A severing of a strong connection can be catastrophic. Luckily she had a family and her students (she was a big music teacher) who regularly visited and reminded of other connections.

[@claudiaflores3944]

@@SiMeGamerand what happened? How is she doing now?

[@owlredshift]

...and as soon as they say, "I'm Lonely a lot" I make sure to increase their monthly premiums.

[@daniduc]

Happenisses arise from: 1. Be secure and have your basic needs met (food, shelter, healthy) 2. Have one or more connection(s) with someone or group (or even animal(s)). The point is connection - the particulars vary for each one 3. have a sense of purpose or meaning in your life

[@your_-_mom]

2 no, you need many connections

[@daniduc]

@@your_-_mom okay, I fixed it

[@tututoo6973]

3 is so ambiguous

[@braydenbenson5372]

Bruh, you just stated Maslows higharchy of needs

[@-svet-ka-]

And what is happiness? For myself I define it as the state of mind a person gets when reality matches their expectations. So, it has two components - your assessment of your current actual situation and the picture of how you want it to be. The closer the two are the happier you feel. So, I think that people who can realistically evaluate their expectations and look at the bright side of things are the happiest. Money and relationships, in my opinion, are valuable only because 1) both help you achieve your desired mental picture and solve your life problems (getting food, shelter, sex, procreation, etc), and 2) the society and culture often dictate how the picture of your successful life should look like. I believe that in a culture where money and social contacts are not considered an achievement and don't help satisfy basic human needs they would not be a factor of happiness. Whether or not such society be evolutionary successful is a separate question 😄

[@jacobhempel1855]

As an introvert, I also noticed that the issues associated with loneliness feels like a boiling frog problem. Misery becomes normalized to the point where you don't easily recognize the negative effects it has on you. Then, not understanding why you're feeling this way, you sink into depression, wondering if theres any way out of this vague poison thats eating away at you. Its only until you finally push past the social anxiety and actually make connections that you start to see very clearly how much you needed friends.

[@nickthompson1812]

I might add that the less you practice your social skills the worse they become.

[@raguaviva]

You are not introvert, you are insecure and you worry too much about what others think about you, and you and only you are condemning yourself to have a boring, wasteful and lonely life. You have the power in your hand but you convinced yourself that you don't. Up to you boy.

[@whoisamp620]

That was amazingly said

[@jacobhempel1855]

@@raguaviva Thank you for your comment. I agree with you -- I am insecure and I do worry about what others think and I know that I am the only one who can actively change things in my own life. I am also afraid of having a boring, lonely, and wasteful life. I think we all are because we all value having fulfilling lives and we value relationships. We can all develop, grow, and learn from the kinds of challenges we face and overcoming those challenges leads to a more fulfilling life.

[@trvst5938]

@@nickthompson1812that’s easy to say. But nowadays a lot of people have a friend group and everyone else is screwed. People will refuse to invite you. Very closed circles, for connections. The Ivy League and UC systems are known for that. Now it’s just trickled down to the rest of society. Most jobs, you see nepotism, friends hiring friends. Conflicts of interests that arise from the very nature of close relationships. So let’s break that down too I guess. I’m young, I don’t know what to think of it yet.

[@Hubcool367]

I don't know why, but thank you for pointing out "It's the quality of your close relationships that matters". So many videos/articles about the links between relationships and happiness seem to imply that it is simply a quantity thing, that you just have to spend more time, with more people. That forcing yourself to stay a little longer with the toxic people in your life is the way to go, because "relationships=happiness". Sure, work on trying to make your relationships better, not worse, and make time to see the people you love, but there is also a huge amount of luck involved. Some people have always been surrounded by kind and loving people, and others have always been surrounded by exploitative and abusive people. I feel there is a lot of tone-deafness in simply making a "more relationships" blanket prescription for everyone. It may be useful advice for people who are otherwise well surrounded but have been caught up in ultimately meaningless pursuits, but it is not helpful for people who have been isolating themselves SPECIFICALLY because the people in their lives made loneliness seem more appealing than yet another serving of trauma and abuse.

[@ahsokaventriss3268]

Yes. Thank you for saying this. I’m absolutely lonely, but in my experience this is the safer option.

[@Astro2024]

It's weird they bring up therapy when much of therapy is about addressing trauma from abusive relationships. The problem with simply equating all relationships to happiness is that they don't account for loneliness around toxic people. It's incredibly short sighted

[@woutervanr]

After watching this I've noticed more how much power and happiness I can find in spending time with family. I subconsciously knew since I never skipped those moments, but now I really notice it and feel it.

[@ReneGrothmann]

I believe that the most important ingredient for a lucky life is appreciation. Feeling liked and appreciated is what we seek for as social animals. This simple reason explains all results in this research. If you have a partner or social group that likes you being around and likes what you are doing, you are happy. Bullied members of a group inevitably get mad or even depressive. Good health allows you to achieve things, bad hinders you. Lonely people can self-appreciate if they learned it as a kid, and still be lucky. If they never got any likes in their youth, only advices, they can't. It the the single best explanation for happiness.

[@davidhatfield7533]

I agree with everything you say and you said it so well and simply! I have been thinking of starting a pod cast with things explained simply and intelligently. The world needs clarity! Would you contribute?

[@airangel94]

I like the idea of comparing relationships to exercise. As an introvert, even though I do enjoy time with my friends, it sometimes feels like a chore leading up to the meet-ups. But I understand that the more I meet up with people, the less resistant I become to the idea of it, and it gets better integrated into my habits and feel second nature.

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

To understand, study... To live in peace, watch this 👉The Connections (2021) [short documentary]💖

[@mordie31]

Yes and no. Exercise is technically bad for you. The effects of the exercise is what is argued to be healthy and it may be, but it also takes years off your life. Things are more nuanced than you’d ever know.

[@StuJones-gn7te]

Friends tend to come and go through life, as do lovers and even spouses, but you're always stuck with you. People who NEED others around them tend to never really be happy because people will always let you down, sooner nor later.

[@bazhumke4040]

@mordie31 tf you yapping about??? exercise takes years off your life?? gtfo outta here lmao

[@rylace]

@@mordie31 Exercise increases life expectancy, not the other way around. It also in general improves your health in many ways. Saying it's "bad for you but the effects are what are argued to be healthy" is just worthless semantics. Obviously the effects of something are what people are talking about in case. Not sure what you think you're saying there. You're trying to pass off some weird almost mystic sounding idea with "thinks are more nuanced than you'd ever know" but the science is pretty clear and basically everyone agrees exercise is extremely beneficial to your health as long as you pay attention to your body and don't overdo it.

[@scott-hr3hd]

For me appreciation for what I have is what gives me happiness. People are not happy with what they have if they’re looking for the next thing. Whether it’s, love, materials, job, etc…

[@JackDespero]

My doctor told me that my extreme isolation was causing me more psychosomatic issues than my other health issues, and she was right. There is no other feeling like to wither away alone. I would rather lose a limb than to feel that.

[@menjolno]

um no, thoose are correlation and not causation. relationships bad, they cause people to have bad judgement. My dad said that his friends are more than 1 in a million. Imagine flipping a coin 8 times and getting 4 heads, then exclaiming that heads are less than 1 in a million chance of appearing and that you are lucky. friends brainwash. politicians choose friends but thoose friends are no more better than random people. friends cause political corruption. friends justify capitalism. no more obvious way to be judgemental than to pay employees diffrent. The pay gap exist to keep the scientists loyal to the big evil entity, while cutting costs on others. The employees work not based on how the government treats everyone, but based on how the government treats them. The pay gap is bad since it helps the evil governments to continue being evil. Employees should work based on how everyone is treated so that the government is incentivized to be good. Pay gap prevents the fair judgement, since how much one is treated becomes more important than how everyone is treated. Pay gap exists because of capitalism. Captialism is justified by friends. This is why para-social relationships are better than real ones.

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

YUP! And when you have an uncaring selfish self-centered wife... and LAZY as well...

[@menjolno]

correlation isn't causation. relationships bad, they cause people to have bad judgement. My dad said that his friends are more than 1 in a million. Imagine flipping a coin 8 times and getting 4 heads, then exclaiming that heads are less than 1 in a million chance of appearing and that you are lucky. politicians choose friends, however, friends are no more better than random people. friends cause political corruption. friends justify capitalism. no more obvious way to be judgemental than to pay employees different. The pay gap exist to keep the scientists loyal, while cutting costs on others. The employees work not based on how the government treats everyone, but based on how the government treats them. The pay gap is bad since it helps the evil governments to continue being evil. Employees should work based on how everyone is treated so that bad governments can't exist. Pay gap prevents the fair judgement, since how much one is treated becomes more important than how everyone is treated. Pay gap exists because of capitalism. Capitalism is justified by friends. This is why para social relationships are better than real ones.

[@vigin_kuttus9161]

maybe you should stop playing valorant

[@xelith6157]

​@@menjolno You sound deeply jaded and unhappy.

[@michaelhaas1298]

Good Health is the real key to happiness.

[@cellano5223]

Thank you for talking about relationships and loneliness. It really hurts at times. I sank into a deep depression after I lost my job years ago. My online gamer friends saved me as they let me join their lobbies which were filled with so much laughter. The brain fog disappeared. They literally saved me and I am in a better place today.

[@not-the-main-character]

That’s awesome congrats!!

[@jamesmungall6669]

I had a similar experience. After some very hard blows in my life I felt terribly isolated and I found a community in an online gaming group with anonymous members all over the world. It gave me daily connections with people and really helped to stabilize me

[@Half_Finis]

And suddenly 3 years have gone and you've lost contact with real life friends face to face, or even family...

[@breadman32398]

That's a bandaid, good to have but not the answer, keep working at it.

[@xelith6157]

​@@Half_Finis And you know this how? What a pathetic response to someone sharing their positive experience.

[@spellstorm7767]

Regarding the data presented at 19:40. The reason why 'happiness' increases the most up to around 100k income is not because money makes you more happy per se, but because it means you have less worries and problems (financially). And this is an important distinction to make: Whether we are measuring the absence of suffering or actual happiness. Furthermore, the graph also shows how 'already happy people' will find more happiness in even more money (>100k) than unhappy people, as evidently, those who were unhappy initially, have other and more pressing issues in their lives than just a lack of money. Whereas those with an actual happy life, i.e. having stable relationships, a fun job, hobbies, good health, hobbies etc., will be able to utilise the extra money to further deepen the things important to them (such as having a fun time with family and friends).

[@spastikman]

Not really uplifting for most of us, but good for the already super wealthy people. Glad it brings you more happiness, even if it's indirectly.

[@KateLB1027]

This!!! I was going to comment this.

[@spellstorm7767]

​@@Bobisabuilder25 It is really intriguing to have someone share their own real-life experiences on this matter. I have many times over the past years heard of this 'clear distinction that should be made' in regards to studies such as this, i.e. Is it a reduction in suffering or an increase in happiness (?), because we people don't usually differentiate between the two. So it baffles me that Veritasium... or this study for that matter doesn't seem to point that out (At least not in the video). Anyhow, I enjoy your comment, especially because it is down to earth and straight forward. Furthermore, your last paragraph is most revealing about the kind of society we live in nowadays. I appreciate your insight.

[@bongi6811]

That part about being alone without feeling lonely and a few really close relationships being preferred over many looser ones describes my situation perfectly. I can be alone for hours without feeling lonely if I have something to do that I'm passionate about and distinctly remember the few moments when I actually felt loneliness for a moment as the feeling was so alien and unfamiliar that I didn't even understand what it was until a day or so later. The foundation for this seem to be close relationships with my family and a few friends as I can easily fulfill my desire for social interactions every day and do so with people I really like to be around.

[@mntlblok]

What I find fascinating about your situation and attitude is how rarely I've seen it expressed. Sounds just like mine, BTW. 🙂

[@MasDouc]

Holy run on sentences batman

[@jamie6387]

100% agree - rather have genuine people around me rather than just a few empty souls to speak to. As a business owner for 12 years, I agree if you have something you're passionate about and skilled in, it will take away the neediness that most have

[@safyullahjawid8592]

Took the words outta my mouth Couldn't have said it better myself Perfectly relatable

[@z0x]

@@MasDouc I prefer it over short ones.

[@pulkit5571]

this is one of the few videos that should be watched by everyone. This video teaches us the importance of relationships with its scientific aspects and effects on the quality of our life.

[@RobbieBeswick]

I do love how loneliness is being addressed, especially after all the technology designed in the past decade which everyone including me saw as a way to communicate easier and always have someone to chat to or play games with which it is but it’s kinda ironic where we are today

[@sagresnaw]

People are slowly realizing that the internet and smart phones/tablets/computers aren't a replacement for real connections and communication in person and while they can do a pretty damn good job of replacing them there's still enough missing for people to notice. (clearly this isn't true for everyone and some people will never have an issue with it but it's definitely a minority position)

[@RobbieBeswick]

@@sagresnaw I agree with what your saying, I think technology has made it easier to communicate, also I think if someone was to loose the internet for a week and have no one to talk to online they’d go out and seek some company with friends or family whereas if people have the internet they can go for weeks without meeting others simply because they’ve talked on Facebook which doesn’t have the same effects as physically talking to someone.. obviously it’s not obvious to our brain these relationships have different effects but the study’s and papers say different

[@sagresnaw]

@@RobbieBeswick I've spent my entire life trying to avoid the people around me, so I know this blight as well as anyone. My loneliness is my own fault because I squandered the relationships I had at my fingertips for connections I thought were more meaningful. But I've come to realize now that I'm a lot more alone than I ever was. I'm trying desperately to build new connections and cherish the people who are still in my life. I'm finding that I'm happier with strangers up in a camp that has nobody around for thousands of miles than I was talking to my friends on the internet. That's not to say I don't love and cherish my internet friends, but it's harder to not feel lonely when all I have are interactions through a monitor.

[@Tiktokcatch22catchTiktok]

The persons who avoid technology are confronted with the bowing uniform thinking zombies and the persons who embrace technology are frequently these zombies. It's like as if the only ones which are overlooking and still attach real balanced values to things are the older, damaged persons. The unprogrammable victims of the narcissistic boomer generation. Maybe I need more meaningful relationships. (Don't I sound like zuckerbot now?)

[@Djellowman]

@@sagresnaw Relatable, but with interpunction.

[@lameemo]

Being rich doesnt promise to make you happy, but it does allow you to relieve a lot of concerns around your basic needs such as if you'll have a roof over your head, good food consistently in your belly, and be able to afford medical procedures for simple problems that can lead to larger issues such as cavities. Once you have these basic needs met, the excess in money becomes less effective at making you happy, but I gotta say its hard to imagine being unhappy being able to do anything my heart desires at a moment's notice such as traveling anywhere I want and being able to fully experience any place I go to.

[@godnyx117]

You don't have to be rich to have food and a roof in your head. Food is very cheap if you know what to buy and if you don't overeat (which 99% of the population in first world countries do). As for the roof, you have your parents and roommates, so you can afford a house. If you cannot, there might be help from your government or there might be shelters. You, just like most people, lose the point...

[@Gillsing]

Everything is relative. If you can afford to go anywhere you want at your heart's desire, then you would surely get used to this, and then it's no longer going to make you as happy.

[@pf6137]

​@@godnyx117that's the thing not everyone can afford even that and your argument falls apart.

[@alese2761]

Not to mention you're then free to pursue any hobbies or other pursuits that bring you happiness. Rich musicians have any gear they want, rich pool players can have them in their own homes, rich swimmers can own their own sort of pool--go on a beach holiday! Spend time with friends and loved ones who may even flock to you based on your socioeconomic status! When living paycheck to paycheck under the constant threat of homelessness and debt or death is the alternative to being rich, suddenly it's a much sweeter promise than you suggest.

[@skyscraperfan]

The main benefit of being rich is removing something that often makes you unhappy: work. We have a limited time on this planet and it is horrible how much time most people have to spend on work every week, month and year. Even if you are self-employed, you have the same problem at least for some time.

[@bidoofus7921]

I loved listening to Mr. Robert talk about the study. So good at explaining, clearly an incredible academic and probably excellent at telling stories 😂

[@VectorBandit]

Right? I loved listening to him speak. So so easy to listen to.

[@savageking3069]

Same

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Yep, he epitomizes what I love seeing from this kind of science communication.

[@johnsausage]

I‘d buy all his audiobooks! ❤

[@homophilosofikus8215]

The hunt for happiness can feel like trying to reach the end of the rainbow, but a rolling stone gathers no moss, so keep going

[@duckdoom5]

That was a very touching video. I've felt lonely for so long and then found some meaningful connections. It really does change everything. Thanks for making this amazing video and doing this for years. I've always loved watching your videos

[@Posiadam.]

At first I didn’t really feel like watching this video, but I did. My man, this video made a big man cry like a baby. And I’m good with it. I’m fine because I care about my family and friends and I know I have to cultivate these relationships. Thanks a lot Derek for being here with us, hopefully connecting with those who need help ❤

[@CandeIero]

I really like the message of this video - to focus on your relationships and your physical health, and to not be demoralised because those things might not be perfect right now, for as long as you live there will always come new opportunities for change

[@michaelanthony4750]

Yup. Very optimistic

[@cooxncooxn3738]

keeping a little bit gap between any problem makes people happy. or solving any thing . -solving maths problem -completing puzzle -gain extra money to close your debt. -running from cops and disappear - win the case -getting better after a long and painfull illness etc. etc etc.

[@Konrad-t6c]

The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.

[@Xgun-ef4ph]

00:03 Financial wealth is a key aspect of a happy life 01:57 The Harvard Study of Adult Development is the longest study of human development ever conducted. 04:12 Taking care of your physical health and having strong relationships are key to a healthy and happy life. 06:46 Strong relationships lead to longer and healthier lives. 09:11 Loneliness has real consequences for mental and physical health 11:34 Having satisfying marital relationships predicts happiness and protects brain health. 14:11 Therapy can help you approach your life in a different way. 16:08 Spending time with people is crucial for feeling good 18:16 Relationships, meaningful work, and money all contribute to happiness 20:11 Building and maintaining strong relationships is key to happiness. 22:06 Positive changes in relationships and happiness can happen unexpectedly.

[@julian_212]

Thank you

[@Kepitano]

Great summarization! Someone please keep replying to this comment thread so I can come back here from time to time. Thank you @Xgun-ef4ph ❤

[@valeriereneeharper]

Wow….taking care of your health is key for a healthy life…..who woulda thunk.

[@kalibininsabunu]

Thanks a lot for your precious efforts

[@kbcZed]

14:11 Therapy can help you approach your life in a different way. - This was an add from better help! 😆

[@stefanodadamo6809]

1) Love, Family 2) appreciation of one's efforts and role in society 3) having enough money, not necessarily a great amount

[@_mnejing]

A few years back, the average amount people needed to make in the US to consider themselves financially happy was, surprisingly, less than $80k a year. It's probably higher now since inflation has been doing it's thing for a year or two, but it's likely still under $100k in most places. I forget if that needed to be an individual income per person per household, or if that was just a combined number. Either way, it's insignificant, as that's really not a lot of money for reasonably skilled jobs. But end-stage capitalism has caused people to just dump all of their money on CEOs and the rest in to shareholder pockets. So saying a "not necessarily a great amount" is absolutely correct.

[@gotworc]

​@@_mnejingdefinitely household. You do not need 100k individually that's just excessive. I basically buy whatever tf when i want and make half that individually living with other people

[@Denastus]

I relate to the second point. It seems like no matter what I do, my efforts aren't being appreciated only to hear behind my back that they are. Why not just say that my efforts are appreciated to me personally? The rarity of me hearing appreciation makes it such that when people do say such things, it comes off as hurtful.

[@silverlight4977]

It will be interesting to see what happens after 30 more years. Living cost is rising higher and you have to work more to reach that old level of comfort, which leaves you with less time for family & friends.

[@reddytoplay9188]

@@Denastus The second point is about you appreciating it not others.

[@archaeobard1]

Thank goodness you discussed the difference between loneliness and being alone. I am very much a solitary person. I'd rather be by myself, reading, writing, hanging out with my cats, watching a movie, meditating and focussing on my inner self or exploring my imagination etc than hanging out with a bunch of people or even one other person. I'm very happy with my own company and do not feel lonely. In fact, I get annoyed if people want to intrude on my solitary state because I feel they are interrupting whatever it is I am doing by myself.

[@JonathanSoltero]

You're not truly lonely if you like you who are alone with.

[@minoyd]

I find it strangely validating and comforting that the physical pain I've felt after every confrontational interaction is a real and scientifically described phenomenon that's actually bad for you. Makes me appreciate the stability and happiness I've worked so hard on myself to be able to have.

[@afriendlyfox]

I figured that out on my own, when during covid I was stuck alone, separated from my family for about 2 years. Just being able to hug someone is so great, you don't realize it until you lose it.

[@HarmanpreetSingh-d3h]

I also agree that keeping meaningful relationships make you happy.I am a college student and i live in a rental house with my dad,our relationship with the house owners are like we live in our own home.They live in a small family and their income is also not very high but they are very good by heart.Everytime when they cook food,the mother of the house owner always offers me something.They treat us like we are part of their family.

[@christopherpardell4418]

I am happy. I figured it out about 50 plus years back. The less I think about me, the happier I am. I created a career around what I would do for fun, and because of that I have been able to craft a life I love within the scope of my reach. A life of service to others. Creating a safe space where people of similar bent can feel perfectly free to be themselves, faults and all. A space where I hand off to younger generations the skills and experience they need to figure out how to shape their own lives to match their own happiness, and how to recognize what matters and what truly does not. I live my life as an example of stoic and taoist virtue, losing myself in the rich world and fascinating people around me. Its simple. If you stop thinking about yourself… your needs, your wants, your expectations… then your ground state is one of happiness. And a society that makes it easier to forget about your own worries, is a society that has greater happiness.

[@BookCrux]

being able to do what you want to do, spending time with your loved ones, having control over your time - this is happiness!

[@Allicrocogator]

Nice video! I'm glad you clarified that it's not just about the number of connections, but instead their quality. For some people, being alone is far healthier than being stuck in a bunch of abusive relationships. But that's no reason to give up on meeting people, because even one good, solid connection can add years onto your life. Awesome data.

[@anwu9496]

6:39 I remember hearing this from a Ted Talk many years ago. I can only add, from my personal experience, that trying to force relationships to become "happy" is flawed. I'm slowly learning that fulfilling friendship only comes naturally, that worrying too much about having friends is as much a recipe for unhappiness as having no friends at all.

[@GraemePayne1967Marine]

This is the first i have heard of if this study. I am happiest when i am with my wife. (First date in 1969, Married in 1971 & still together!) Yes, we are sometimes upset with each other - it happens to everyone - but we can get over it & continue living our loving & HAPPY life together. Even more since we each retired & don't have to travel for business any more. Few things are lonelier than a random hotel room without her there also.