Harvard University has released the results of the longest running longitudinal study of human development in history. They began following 268 male undergraduate students in 1938. Today, they have revealed much about the relationship between happiness and money.
(Photo Credit: Neal/Flickr)
It’s Not About IQ
IQ isn’t everything, when it comes to money. In Harvard’s study, men with IQs in the 110-115 range enjoyed the same incomes as those with IQs above 150.
To put that in perspective, 75 percent of the population has an IQ anywhere from 85-115. This is considered normal, typical, average. Over 150 is quite rare and genius. And yet, as stated above, there is no noticeable difference in the incomes of 150+ and 110-115.
Love Your Mother
Money may not buy happiness, but Harvard’s study made a connection between men’s happiness, income levels, and childhood relationships with their mother. Men whose mothers were warm and caring were likely to make $87,000 more annually than men who consider their mothers uncaring.
We cannot change the past, and we cannot control the behavior of others. One way to incorporate this information into our present lives is to make peace with the past, and develop warm and caring relationships in our lives today.
The gist of the study was simply that warm and caring relationships were one of the most important factors influencing men’s lifetime income levels as well as their personal happiness.
Tell Us What You Think
What do you think is the secret to happiness? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment or join the discussion on Twitter.
Wow, for the longest running study, it’s pretty thin on details/outcomes
Friends that still love you when you are in your poorest andor lowest time of your life will deliver to you true happiness…..answer is FRIENDSHIP!