this post was submitted on 16 Feb 2025
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[–] [email protected] 181 points 4 days ago (5 children)

I think this really speaks to, "It's not what you have, it's who you have." You could have millions of dollars and the biggest house in the neighbourhood, but you won't be happy with any of that if you have a partner who is terrible and mean to you.

Happiness comes from finding joy from what you already have rather than longing for what you don't.

[–] [email protected] 142 points 4 days ago (3 children)

This would be profound if Carly and Rodney were guaranteed free healthcare, UBI, and other minimum requirements for living ao that being happy with what you have isn't crushed by chronic illnesses and endless debt.

[–] BrundleFly2077 98 points 4 days ago (2 children)

This. For me, saddest thing about this comic’s message was the fact that I immediately wondered how they would handle needing a root canal or if one of them broke a leg.

[–] [email protected] 41 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Or a weird lump checked out.

[–] [email protected] 38 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (2 children)

Oh, that's simple. The root canal they'll handle by going to the ER, getting antibiotics, and not getting the tooth taken care of until it has to be extracted completely (or just breaks off at the gum line, and taking antibiotics way too often for it)

The broken leg they'll get done at the er, too.

In both cases it'll lead to debt they likely will ignore, because what the fuck else can they do?

But the lump? That one they'll just ignore. It isn't actively painful, and there's nothing they can do for it, anyway. So they'll just die young.

Money isn't the root of all evil... But is damn sure the tool of evil.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 4 days ago

Love of money, as in greed, is the root of all evil.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago

In many countries, these basic needs would be a non-issue.

[–] DJKJuicy 8 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

I think the message can be interpreted though. It doesn't have to be taken so literally.

I am the exact same person today in my big adult house with my grown-up job as I was 25 years ago in my tiny little apartment living off $9 an hour. Houses, cars, jobs, promotions...these things don't really change who you actually are. A 25% raise at work won't make you 25% happier.

You can still have a job that pays money and benefits and choose to downsize the rest of your life and eliminate all that stress. You don't need a 3,000 sq. ft. house with a 3 car garage and a marble kitchen island to be happy... You're still going to be the same you.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Yes, if you ignore the obvious signs that they are in poverty and bordering on homelessness it is a great message.

[–] DJKJuicy 1 points 3 days ago

I don't disagree. I grew up as poor as the characters in this comic and we were definitely not happy like they are. It's fiction and doesn't account for the harshness of reality and very callously ignores the lack of a social safety net.

However, the point of the comic still hits home. Life was much simpler when I was young and poor. The complexities and unnecessary stress of the life I lead now seem almost ridiculous in comparison.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 4 days ago

One hundo percent 😞

[–] [email protected] 28 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I mean, the richest man in the world is busy meddling in everyone else's affairs. Clearly money is not enough to satisfy.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 days ago

Well if he were less of a sociopathic asshole we'd all be better off.

And yes wealth at that level corrupted him.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

Absolutely.

I lived a lot like this during the 2008 recession. I was always looking for work, but there was none to be had. So we spent all day watching arthouse DVDs from the library, having sex, cooking, making art, and talking philosophy in our 250 square foot apartment. At times, it was truly beautiful.

However, there came a time after a year or so where the money really ran out and we got evicted. The relationship imploded and it all went to shit.

My takeaway is that, for long term happiness, stability is important too.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 days ago (2 children)

This is what I’m afraid of. I have a plan for getting rich but I don’t have much of a plan for getting over the loneliness I feel.

Actually I’m afraid to get rich because I feel like that will be the end of any opportunity to genuinely bond with people.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 days ago

Statistically you don't have to worry about it. Unless you have rich parents, your plans of getting rich will very likely fail

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 days ago

Then don't get rich :)

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 days ago

You reminded me of a song I had totally forgot about, thank you. I’ll post it here https://youtu.be/6TmJw8j2Eos

[–] [email protected] 33 points 4 days ago (5 children)
[–] [email protected] 139 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Its not a joke, its just a message, telling people that being happy doesnt have to rely on wealth and fancy stuff. That there is nothing wrong with being happy with a simple life.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 3 days ago

You're not a tiny speck in a vast uncaring universe.

You're a person caught up in weave of the giant sweater that is our reality.

Enjoy the simple pleasures of life. And take some time to stare up at that great big universe that we're all part of.

[–] [email protected] 28 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

Even someone who has achieved modern Zen mastery can still get excited about chicken fingers.

[–] [email protected] 29 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Not everyone has to strive to be the best to be happy?

[–] [email protected] 7 points 4 days ago

Ah I see, makes sense. And kinda criticizing society for judging based on stereotypes, right?

Thank you!