Economists find no link between sex, money. Yet, at the same time, there appears to be a strong corellation between sex and happiness.

Does anyone else think it’s funny that in this culture we absolutely uphold the ideal of making a lot of money, but never uphold the ideal of having a lot of sex? I mean, can you imagine what would happen if you encouraged kids to have sex if they were depressed? The outcry would be beyond belief. Yet, at the same time, we’re told daily that buying unnecessary product X will make us happier? Entire companies, and industries are based on it. Don’t believe me, get a catalog from the Sharper Image.

It’s long been a truism that “sex sells.” But no one ever wants to dissect the matter further. Maybe sex sells because it’s subconscious insurance. Even if the product sucks, the prospect of sex means that there’s something we like in the deal.

This goes far beyond sex though. This is really about the way that we develop and maintain personal relationships. And the truth is, that cultural critique is well-traveled. But it seems as if it’s a war of two extremes. We spend too much time pitting relationships and money against each other instead of finding ways to benefit both.

On one hand, I think that people will generally embrace the ideas expressed in this article. But on the other, I think that for most, embracing any suggestions it makes is mostly a lot of hot air. I don’t believe in limiting anyone’s choices, and I think everyone should make the decisions that make them happiest, but I think this says a lot about the decisions I intend to make.

Posted on June 11th, 2004 by Lee
Tagged: Economics