The 7 Best Social Argumentative Essays on Money and Happiness

Simply put, "wealth" here refers to money and material possessions in general, while "happiness" represents a sense of spiritual fulfillment in life. This means that to have a good life, one must have both wealth and happiness.

So, what do "wealth" and "happiness" really mean, and how are they related? As we know, in today's modern society, material wealth is a "necessary condition" for sustaining life, while "happiness" is the "sufficient condition" that makes life better and more meaningful. Therefore, "wealth" represents the material aspect of life, the foundation upon which further steps are built, while "happiness" is the crucial "catalyst" that leads to success.

However, "wealth" is not always everything. It has both positive and negative aspects. Like any issue, it always has two sides. Just as humans are made up of both their animal instincts and their higher nature. Everyone has an inherent "ego" full of desires, and thus, everyone has greed. We all want more money, we all want to be rich to satisfy our desires, needs... and to help those in greater need, while also creating opportunities for further personal growth.

Simply, if you want a motorcycle, a beautiful house... but you don't have the money, it's just an impossible wish. When you have money, especially a lot of it, you can accomplish many things. You can travel to many places, buy anything you desire. Moreover, you will have the chance to help others – the poor, those in difficult situations... At that point, you will be able to do things that would have been impossible without money.

However, once you have money, you need to have a reasonable plan for spending it. Avoid wasteful spending on unnecessary things, don't "overspend". After all, who can predict what the future holds? Life's ups and downs are inevitable. Additionally, those with a lot of money tend to want to try the latest, most fashionable, and most luxurious things. Sometimes, money can corrupt and degrade a person, leading them down a path of crime. Eventually, you may be the one who leads yourself into ruin, drowning in the filth and destroying your life and future. Therefore, whether you're rich or poor, live with optimism and understand that money isn't everything.

As for "happiness" – it belongs to the spiritual realm. It is the sense of peace in life, comfort in work, trust, and hope... When a person is happy, they will live well, meaningfully, and always strive for greater things. Happiness provides a strong emotional foundation that motivates you to complete tasks and achieve continued success. Though each person has their own unique circumstances and individual sources of happiness, they all share one thing: making people love life, appreciate their work, and aim to do it as best as they can. Also, even a small piece of happiness can make someone feel more "enthusiastic" and strive to multiply that happiness.

But, can happiness exist without "money"? Yes, achieving happiness is not simple, even though sometimes "happiness" does not stem from material things. Can you truly have complete happiness if your life is full of deprivation? Can a family be truly joyful and spend quality time together if they live in constant poverty? Without money, there will be no food or clothes, which can drive people to immoral paths like theft to secure basic needs during times of extreme hardship.

However, money doesn't always create "happiness". You cannot "buy happiness with money". In life, money can buy material goods, fame, and status, but it cannot buy true affection or complete happiness. "Wealth" cannot purchase love or kindness... Those with much wealth may not always enjoy happiness that matches the "value of their money". Some people even lose "true happiness" because of money... Therefore, "wealth" only creates "happiness" when people share it with others, especially those in need, when they learn to control greed and cherish even the smallest joys. Sometimes, happiness is simply: "Making someone smile." Just like how "a bowl of porridge" and the compassion of Thị Nở made the "evil spirit" in Chí Phèo die, pushing him to return to being a good person, to live and be loved, treated with dignity as a human being.

According to a global survey by TV Networks International, which involved 5,400 young people from 14 developed countries, only 43% expressed happiness with their current lives. The youth in India were the happiest, while Japan ranked last, with only 8% feeling comfortable with their circumstances. This survey result provides us with valuable insights that are worth reflecting upon. One of the most fundamental aspects it reveals is the disproportionate relationship between wealth and happiness, between material life and spiritual well-being, especially among young people.

We live in a civilized society where material values are considered equal to spiritual values. Gone are the days of Balzac, Vũ Trọng Phụng, when money held an unparalleled and powerful position, controlling and even transforming societal measurements. Yet, this statement, though seemingly old, still resonates today: There is no God, no Buddha, only money is worthy of worship because it commands everyone; everyone must bow to it to survive. Conscience? It's worth less than money. The gods and Buddha? Still inferior to money. Only money is universally revered, and only the ways of making money deserve reverence (quoted from the play No Sound (1931) by Vũ Trọng Phụng). Money has an incredible power in any circumstance or era. There are countless instances where people, driven by money, are willing to sell their integrity, commit illegal acts, or become puppets of evil forces. Why does money have such an irresistible allure? Because it satisfies nearly all material and spiritual needs, creates values of dignity, culture, and human bonds. Money is also a measure of a person's worth. The wealthier you are, the better your life seems to others, making you appear noble, powerful, and deserving of respect. You continue to climb the ladder of fame. But is fame ever enough? Does human greed ever run out? Exploiting this, money quickly dominates, entices, and seduces those who lack the moral fortitude to resist material temptations, turning them into loyal servants. This is the root of many crimes we frequently see in the media, such as corruption, smuggling, drug trafficking, hired killings, gambling, and more, all causing significant harm to the country. We must acknowledge the overwhelming power of money—powerful, but not omnipotent. Because there is one thing in this world, no matter how rich you are, that money cannot buy, no matter how much you sacrifice your life for it, and that is the spiritual values like wisdom, love, compassion, character, creativity... and most importantly, happiness.

In contrast to money—a concept easily defined—happiness is an extremely elusive notion, as fragile as the mysteries of the human soul. Yet, it is something all people in any society strive for; every nation's Declaration of Independence must affirm the right to pursue true happiness. For a life only truly matters when it is filled with happiness. So, what is happiness? It can be simply understood as the feeling of joy when one achieves everything they desire. In this sense, happiness should be understood broadly—happiness in the family, in friendships, and in daily life. In that context, wealth cannot make one truly happy. If it does, that happiness is merely the satisfaction of material desires of a selfish, shallow individual. True happiness must come from beautiful, noble, and sincere things within the soul—depths that cannot be reached and which no force, including money, can corrupt. The happiness of a mother who tirelessly works year-round, without a single day off or a new dress, just so her child can study and stand equal with others—who can truly understand that?

It is love for her child that makes the mother forget her own struggles. The happiness of a regular working-class family, reunited around the dinner table each evening, with the sound of children's laughter—a simple, warm happiness in daily life that no amount of gold can buy. We cannot forget the famous saying: "The greatest happiness in life is to love and be loved." – George Sand. Therefore, the foundation of happiness is love. Based on this, what builds happiness is affection, and the true social and spiritual values. Happiness is the noble goal of life.

Money is merely a useful tool to quickly guide us to that beautiful destination. A person can only experience complete happiness when both material and spiritual needs are fulfilled, and in this sense, money plays a significant role. It stimulates creativity and effort in life, measures labor productivity, and provides quick and effective solutions in times of difficulty. A high salary motivates a person to work harder than usual. A scholarship can allow a poor student to study abroad. A large sum of money can save someone's life through surgery... However, if one sees money as the ultimate goal of life and does everything to acquire it, sooner or later, they will pay a heavy price: the destruction of their integrity, a broken family, and being shunned by others. No one wants to live such a life. Therefore, we must create a balance between wealth and happiness, between material and spiritual life, and on that foundation, happiness will be built strong and lasting.

To achieve this, each of us must always strive in life—through work and study, through moral development, to become a person of intellect, talent, and character, while also having the strength to resist societal temptations. Because it can be affirmed that: "In all paths to happiness, there is no shortcut, there is only one path that is certain: labor and perseverance." — L. Raybo.

Money is often viewed as an important measure of a person's success and abilities. However, this perception is gradually changing, and we need to adjust our views on money. Instead of seeing money as a measure of capability, we should regard it as a tool to help achieve goals and happiness in life.

First, money is not a true indicator of a person's value. A wealthy person is not necessarily a good or capable individual, because money cannot measure one's moral values, emotions, or intelligence. Instead, we should evaluate a person based on the qualities and skills they possess.

Second, money is merely a tool to achieve life's goals, such as material wealth, love, or education. Money cannot buy happiness or fulfillment; only intangible, immeasurable values can bring comfort and completeness. We should see money as an advantage for creating memories, pursuing dreams, and executing more advanced plans, rather than viewing it as a prerequisite for reaching the ultimate goal.

Finally, to adjust this mindset, we need to communicate this message to those around us. We can use real-life examples to illustrate and convince others about the role of money. We should also offer advice, guidance, and support to our loved ones to help them understand how to use money wisely and effectively.

In conclusion, money should not be the measure of a person's abilities or life value. We need to see money as a tool to help us achieve goals and happiness in life. Together, we bear the responsibility of spreading this message to others in order to build a correct attitude and understanding of money in society.

Material satisfaction and emotional happiness are the two greatest needs of humans. It can be said that throughout one's life, these two values always revolve around each other. Thus, money and happiness have a strong connection. If one of these is missing, a person cannot live a complete and meaningful life.

Money is a tool for buying and exchanging goods. In a broader sense, it represents the material wealth a person possesses. Money exists in many forms such as gold, paper money, bank accounts, or other valuable items. Happiness is the state of complete contentment in one's soul regarding all aspects of life. Happiness is a natural and rightful desire of humans.

There is a close relationship between money and happiness. Money is the means to create happiness. Happiness is an essential value to pursue in a person's life. Money helps satisfy the basic material needs of humans, such as food, clothing, housing, healthcare services, etc. Without fulfilling these basic needs, we cannot live a normal life.

Money helps maintain a comfortable life without the burden of financial difficulties or debts, meaning it helps avoid financial worries. Additionally, when needed, it can assist in sharing or supporting those who are facing tough situations. This is what brings us the feeling of happiness.

Money enables us to confidently achieve our desires, feel respected, independent, with friends, and enjoy a fulfilling career. For those who are extroverted, enjoy exploring and experiencing the outside world, attending gatherings, and socializing, viewing money as a vital part of life, the more money they earn, the happier they feel. When a person is happy, relaxed, and mentally clear, they are more likely to come up with great ideas and practical plans, leading to even greater financial success.

Money and happiness are not dependent on each other. Money does not bring, nor can it buy, complete happiness. Happiness is not determined by the amount of money we hold but by the experiences we have and the feelings we derive from our daily lives. For people who are introspective and follow a life of spiritual purity, unconcerned with material gains, who are passionate about their work and see it as the meaning of life, earning a lot of money is not their happiness. In fact, it can even become a burden to them.

If one works solely for money, the work loses its interest and may lead to feelings of guilt or distress, thus no longer bringing happiness. If one tirelessly works day and night in pursuit of wealth and fame, they will never understand the true value of happiness. Because once they have money, they will always want more, as few are content with what they have.

Money can also bring heavy pressures, causing stress, and sometimes damaging relationships, leading to loneliness and suffering. It is not necessary to have a great deal of money; simply engaging in a spiritual passion can bring you happiness. Money is the root of evil, as it can destroy any relationship in society, whether it’s between friends, family, colleagues, or spouses.

Happiness is not about how much money we have, nor is it found in the fleeting beauty of the past or in unrealistic hopes for the future. True happiness is found in living in the present and being content with what we have right now. Money creates inequality in human relationships, eroding human kindness, making people distant from one another. Those with money become arrogant, while those without money feel inferior and resentful.

Money is the cause of constant conflicts and disharmony within families: disputes over wealth between parents and children, among siblings, and between spouses. In life, many people overemphasize money, ignoring relationships and values. For the sake of money, they resort to any means to obtain it. They accumulate as much wealth as they can, living extravagantly and wastefully. People like this are truly to be criticized.

We need to have the right attitude towards money: We must recognize the distinction between what we want and what we need. We need money, but not always desire it. Financial value should not be equated with self-worth. Money should be seen as a means, not the goal of life. Do not let money become the driving force behind relationships with others. Happiness can lead to wealth. However, wealth does not necessarily bring happiness in this life.

It is also important not to hold unrealistic beliefs: A small hut and two golden hearts. Life always needs money to sustain spiritual well-being. No one can naturally exist and achieve true happiness.

To live a meaningful life, one must strike a balance between money and emotions. Do not trade your happiness, or that of others, for greed. And do not overlook the value of money just for the sake of emotions.

Have you ever wondered: What is money that so many people blindly pursue? What is happiness that so many people yearn for and hope for? These two things seem unrelated, yet they create a strong, inseparable connection in life.

Happiness is the feeling of joy and contentment when you feel that all your desires have been fulfilled, while money is the currency used for spending and transactions. There is a deep connection between money and happiness.

Money has a significant impact on us. It is a necessity for many aspects of life, such as education, food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. Every action we take requires money. Every day we need to eat to sustain our lives. To buy the food we need, we must have money. Imagine a day when we have no money to spend, when we can't purchase the essentials for our life—how would that look? Without food, or the basic necessities for daily living, our health would deteriorate, and many issues would arise, including challenges in getting medical care, and difficulties in studying or working.

In addition to material values, money also allows us to access spiritual values. We can plan outings on holidays, or simply use services like the Internet or phone, which require money to afford. We need money every day to cover various needs in life. It seems that money increasingly governs our activities and needs. Each person has essential needs for their family and themselves. However, with what we have, we must learn how to spend wisely, balancing our needs and resources. A poor graduate, for example, might only afford a simple, affordable motorbike for commuting to work, while a wealthier student could purchase an expensive, luxurious one. Regardless of how much money one has, with proper planning, we can meet our life needs, though we may not always be fully satisfied. Money is a necessary condition for happiness, but not the sufficient one. Some people focus only on earning money. They work relentlessly, yet money is never enough for them. However, they fail to appreciate or cherish what they already have. For them, happiness comes from earning money. When they realize that they haven't attained true happiness, it might be too late. The money they make cannot buy happiness. When you have money, it provides opportunities for spiritual fulfillment, enjoyment, and integration into life, and this becomes the foundation for happiness to grow and flourish.

Therefore, we can say that money is a necessary condition, but not sufficient for happiness. When we awaken our hearts, have dreams, but also accept, appreciate, and love what we have, while understanding what we cannot have, and developing a clear understanding of money, we have happiness. In traditional Vietnamese society, as well as today, misconceptions about the relationship between money and happiness still persist:

"In hand, I already have money

Even if I trade white for black, it’s no big deal"

In the old society, money was like an omnipotent force. People believed that their happiness could be bought with money. However, today, many people fail to value money and fall into laziness, corruption, and stagnation. Everything is already provided; they don't need to do anything and are not guided. They only know how to enjoy what money can bring, while missing out on the deeper values of life that require mental and emotional effort. They cannot understand happiness. They don't listen to music to appreciate a beautiful melody, don’t read the news to understand who is prosperous and who is struggling. They don't have time for deep conversations to understand a friend or the essence of friendship...

When they have everything, except for harmful things like drugs or ecstasy, they try those things. They may feel joy from doing so, and they may feel happiness, but their parents and loved ones are definitely not happy. Their happiness is only temporary. Thus, we must criticize and reject such misguided beliefs about the meaning of money and happiness, and guide people towards better values, teaching them the true worth of life and how to achieve genuine happiness.

Money and happiness? Money helps us meet material needs and, to some extent, fulfills spiritual needs. True happiness, however, is what satisfies these deeper needs. For me, happiness does not depend on the material value that money brings; it is about cherishing and appreciating the life we have.

Have you ever wondered, "What is happiness?" yet people seem to constantly search for it in life. Some view happiness as simple, everyday joys, while others consider it to be grand achievements or something truly monumental in life. There are also many who define happiness through wealth. So, what is the relationship between money and happiness?

Money consists of material assets in life, used to meet everyday needs. It can include cash, homes, or personal property. Happiness, on the other hand, is the feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment when one achieves their desires, often related to intangible values in life. Both money and happiness are human needs that exist both externally and within the individual.

Money and happiness both have meaning in our lives. Money is used to cover living expenses and fulfill essential needs such as food, shelter, transportation, or healthcare. For many, happiness is simply having food, clothing, and a place to call home, instead of being homeless. But money is not happiness. Wealthy individuals may not always be happy, and those living in poverty aren't always devoid of happiness either.

Children born into poor families, living difficult lives but with parents who love them deeply, are likely to be happier than those born into rich families with busy, neglectful parents. A successful businessman who battles cancer might not feel happier than a poor laborer, who struggles to raise their children but, in old age, receives care and love from them.

Money is not everything—it can buy many things but cannot buy health, morality, or true happiness. At times, it even leads people into morally corrupt spirals, where they sell their integrity and happiness for wealth. Many real-life stories depict the price one pays for prioritizing money above all else. Greedy people, poor and unwilling to strive, may resort to crimes like robbery or murder, only to face harsh punishments and a future behind bars, leaving their elderly parents waiting in despair. Happiness gained from money fades, leaving only regret and a dead-end existence.

However, one cannot live without considering money. Basic needs—food, clothing, and the burden of earning a living—require money. Those living in unfortunate circumstances, despite being hardworking, will never feel happy if they can't improve their lives. A parent, no matter how much they love their children, will feel unhappy if they can't provide for them in the same way their peers can.

Money and happiness are values that balance each other in life. Not everyone with money will be happy, nor can anyone be happy forever without valuing money. Each person must clearly understand the value of both money and happiness. We can strive for success, mastery, and wealth, but we must also appreciate the other beautiful values in life, such as love, which might even outweigh money.

Never let money and material possessions overshadow who you are. Live beautifully, cherish relationships, and love more. When you see a hand reaching out for help, don’t hesitate to share, for your refusal might mean that person will never have another chance. We should all appreciate what we have, including the small blessings like the love of our parents or simply having parents. Listen to and love them more—don’t get lost in the race for wealth and become indifferent, cold-hearted.

Happiness is sometimes not something distant; it’s close by, right next to us. Money is necessary for life but is not everything. Live so that both you and your family feel at ease, and you will find happiness. Strive to balance your life and discover true happiness.