Give away your money and be happy

Today is clearly altruism day for research findings. Give away your money and be happy - being-human - 20 March 2008 - New Scientist: "'Moving into a bigger house will give you a happiness boost, but you then get used to the house,' says Lyubomirsky. The same goes for other types of possessions. Acts of kindness, by contrast, are more likely to produce unexpected positive outcomes, such as a favour performed in return. Prosocial acts also enhance our self-perception in a way that possessions do not, adds Lyubomirsky." So the significant factor could actually be the renewing of the spending rather than the spend-focus; that is the same dynamic as seems to drive rampant consumerism. Though it would be significant that giving it away does make for happiness. And, actually the research (though with only a limited sample) does seem to indicate altruistic 'spending' may be more happiness-inducing. Good to think about.