World’s richest man, Elon Musk, has reignited a global conversation on wealth and happiness after sharing a post suggesting that money does not guarantee personal fulfillment.
On Wednesday, the Tesla and SpaceX chief executive wrote on social media: “Whoever said ‘money can’t buy happiness’ really knew what they were talking about.”
The statement quickly attracted widespread attention, with many users interpreting it as a rare insight into the personal struggles that can exist despite immense wealth.
Within hours, the post garnered more than 33 million views and over 245,000 likes, sparking intense debate across social media platforms on whether financial success equates to emotional well-being.
In Nigeria, the comment resonated with many users, some of whom drew parallels with Afrobeat singer Adekunle Gold’s 2021 song It Is What It Is, which reflects a similar sentiment about wealth and happiness.
Reactions online were sharply divided. While some users agreed with Musk’s view, arguing that money only makes hardship easier to manage, others countered that poverty brings its own emotional burden.
Several commenters emphasized that financial instability can lead to stress, envy, and depression.
Others questioned Musk’s perspective given his position as the world’s richest individual, with some suggesting that even a fraction of his wealth would significantly improve their lives.
Faith-based reactions also emerged, with users asserting that true happiness and fulfillment come from spiritual rather than material sources.
The conversation highlights a long-standing debate over whether happiness is rooted in financial comfort, personal purpose, or factors beyond wealth, a question that continues to divide public opinion worldwide.
