LETTERS: Many of us work hard to earn money and save part of it so we may buy things that will make us happy and comfortable.
Others might look to money for personal fulfilment which may involve impressing others by flaunting an expensive handbag or dress.
Some claim that you can buy happiness with money because they believe it gives them power, while others might disagree.
I do not agree we can buy happiness with money. The satisfaction will be only temporary.
You cannot buy love and devotion with money.
In Robin Sharma's book, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, the main character, Julian Mantle, is a lawyer who is dissatisfied despite his achievements.
One day, he suffers a heart attack in court. After that, he disappears and is nowhere to be found.
Three years later, he goes back to meet his friend, John, who is astonished to see him glowing with joy.
Julian shares with John the lessons he had learnt meditating in the Himalayas. His happiness has nothing to do with money.
Remarkably, we can find many people like John, who have suffered burnout and now have a different definition of happiness.
My father once told me that a person who is "too rich" can become crazy if he does not know what do with the money.
So it's important to have a purpose. This could include empowering oneself and others.
People must also know that money cannot alter how they feel about themselves.
Most individuals make this mistake. They want to be strong, fashionable, or respected. Most importantly, they want to be admired.
The fact is, money won't make you proud of who you are if you do not feel so yourself.
AZAH ATIKAH ANWAR BATCHA
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times