What Men Want

In a recent magazine poll, 40,000 men were asked, “What would you most like to be?” A full 62 percent said “rich.” The second 21 percent said “brilliant.” Another 9 percent said “handsome.” The remaining 8 percent said “famous.”

I thought about these results for a while. With a clear bias in men toward money, did the people who responded “brilliant” think that they could use their newfound intellect to get them rich? What about those who wanted fame or good looks? Were they just trying to scam the poll to get two of these traits in one? Then I thought about what I’d pick, and I realized none of these choices were correct for me.

I want the choice “happy.”Honestly think that’s all that anyone really wants. This poll tells me 62 percent of men think money will make them happier. 9 percent believe that looks and, ostensibly, women will make them happier. I don’t think any of these choices alone brings happiness. Charitable people who gain happiness through giving can be just as happy with or without financial backing. Wealthy donors may become philanthropists and see their actions affecting many people from afar. Conversely, the charitable poor can join the Peace Corps or the Red Cross and watch their actions deeply affect one person at a time. Material possession has a minimal effect on happiness. In this way, Thomas Jefferson was very wise to change Locke’s claim of an inalienable right to property to the pursuit of happiness. Not everyone can have something, but everyone can try to improve their lives.

Oddly enough, this has to do with my college search, and by extension, my career search. I see college as the first boost into my life, so I want it to take me in the right direction. For that, I need to know what makes me happy. Immediately, I think of my friends and family, my fascination with everything related to technology, my love of pole vaulting and trapeze, and my obsession with guitar and music. In other words, I want something that lets me be social, innovative, brave, strong, evolving, and creative.

Business seems like a good place to start.