Researchers from the University of Otago recently published a study demonstrating that people who lead a simple life tend to be happier.
According to Associate Professor Leah Watkins, consumer culture encourages the belief that higher income leads to happiness because it allows people to purchase more goods.
“However, research is clear that attitudes to, and experiences of, materialistic approaches to life do not lead to increases in happiness or wellbeing, nor do they lead to sustainable consumption necessary for planetary health.”
Based on the study, after a certain threshold, having more money does not consistently increase happiness.
“There’s an income curve that up to a certain level as income increases it does lead to greater happiness, but above a certain point it no longer contributes to people’s sense of wellbeing.
Watkins said, “It may lead to more depression and unhappiness.”
The study examined behaviours like material simplicity, frugality, self-sufficiency, and sourcing locally. Watkins mentioned that people were content to work fewer hours and embrace a simpler lifestyle.
“We found that it’s not …the frugality that makes the difference, but it’s the subsequent behaviours, the connections to a community, living one’s values – it’s those things that lead to well-being.”
“If you’re sharing commodities rather than going to Mitre 10 and buying something… you’re building relationships.”
Meanwhile, co-author of the study and professor Rob Aitken said there were psychological and emotional connections, along with a sense of purpose, that provided people with a feeling of personal achievement.
“Doing something that’s important to them – a much more values-based approach to living, actually putting your values into practice.”
“For these things to make a big difference you need systemic changes, and we can’t really do that, but we can show to some brands or companies, emphasise the values-driven sharing, collaborating peer-to-peer stuff that is really liked and wanted and does lead to happiness.”
While Aitken clarified that they were not advocating for people to discard their belongings, he also pointed out that “It’s not directly the commitment to material simplicity that leads to wellbeing, but the psychological and emotional need fulfilment that derives from relationships, social connection, community involvement and a sense of living a purposeful and meaningful life.”
“In a world where billionaire weddings are treated like state occasions and private yachts are the new status symbols, voluntary simplicity offers a quiet, powerful counter-narrative,” Aitken said.
“One that values enough over excess, connection over consumption, and meaning over materialism.”