Is this a good way to end an essay?
Growing up, your teachers or parents might have asked you, "What do you want to be when you're older?" From a young age, kids have been introduced to the idea that a good job and a stable income helps them mentally, and physically. Despite its underlying materialism, this idea is undoubtedly true in the world today, for what limits the pursuit of happiness in life? Other than being able to afford the basic essentials to live your life? That being said, money definitely plays some sort of role in the production of happiness in someone's life, but only for a short period.

Considering the fact that some people have not been personally introduced to extreme wealth or a "rich" way of living, some people might be happy with what they already have in life. But, for younger generations, social media and the internet present a seemingly unattainable and lavish lifestyle that fuels the yearning for more than what they have. In his article "Money and Happiness", Christopher Peterson, a former professor of psychology at the University of Michigan and author of the book The Good Life, claims "Research shows that income has a positive relationship with happiness (life satisfaction), although it is not a straight line”. Therefore, being able to afford expensive items creates a sort of satisfaction with the buyer. Which in turn makes them content with how their life may be. But this usually is not the case. This sense of material satisfaction does not last long. While the feeling of satisfaction from buying an expensive item might feel like a lifetime, the feeling longing for something better will always remain in the mind of that person. For example, in Tolstoy's short story "How Much Land Does a Man Need?” The protagonist of the story, Pahom, ends up always feeling unsatisfied with what he has, and looks for new ways to better his material possessions. This ultimately leads up to his untimely death. As Peterson explained, this is not as easy as a one plus one situation. The psychological effects of wealth can be very complex, and sometimes may cause one to become mentally drained in their mission to feel some sort of completion from buying their way into happiness. That being said, one cannot expect to have better possessions and instantly feel much more satisfied than they did before. Wealth cannot help one attain intimacy, friendships, and even a sense of accomplishment, just as how it can not save us from psychological problems including anxiety, depression, or addictions. Even with the correct treatment, it does not always guarantee a life of happiness for those who are treated by medicine or therapy.