Comment on "Money holds the key to happiness in Asia, survey finds" (China Daily, Nov 1-2)

The power of money is supreme. This is the reality of the modern world of globalization, which is ruled by capital.

Of course, money is important, very important, for survival. But money is not the be all and end all of life. Money can buy commodities, essential and not-so-essential, including luxury. Money can buy economic power and social respect. But money cannot buy peace. It cannot buy real respect either.

But in these fast-changing times, when almost everything comes packaged in glitz, it is difficult for people not to fall prey to the lures of what seems irresistible consumer goods which can had only in exchange for money.

Perhaps it is not fair to blame the people for not being able to read between the advertisement lines of manufacturers and service providers, for they are unaware of the other side of the story, the story of intellectual and cultural satisfaction that no money can buy.

Since China cannot influence the public sentiments in the other countries where the Pew Research Center global survey was conducted, it should instruct governments at all levels in the country to start promoting the real values of life. Happiness is not only about money, even though it is very important for a person. This is something the people have to be made aware of. In fact, this is what even the Pew survey says.

READER, via e-mail

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