| There is a Web site called the “World Database of Happiness.” 有一个网站叫 “世界幸福数据库”。 It combines and analyzes the results of hundreds of surveys from around the world that have been conducted on life satisfaction. 它综合并分析了来自世界各地对生活满意度所做的上百个调查得出的结果。 Most of the findings are predictable, but a few are surprising. 大多数结果都在意料之中，不过也有一些意外。 The database makes it clear that there is not a strong connection between material wealth and general contentment. 这个数据库表明物质生活的富裕和整体的满意度并没有太大的联系。 It is a cliché to say that money can't buy happiness, but the old saying seems to be supported by research. 虽然 “金钱买不到幸福”已是陈词，但研究结果似乎证实这句俗话。 Many people still cling to the belief that gaining riches will be the answer to all their problems, yet they are probably mistaken. 许多人仍然坚信得到财富就可以解决他们所有的问题，但他们可能错了。 Studies have been carried out on people who acquired sudden wealth, such as lottery winners. 研究一夕致富的人，比如赢得彩票奖金的人， In most cases, after the initial joy had worn off, people were not left with a sense of lasting happiness. 在大多数情形下，最初的欣喜逐渐消失后，人们心中并没有留下持久幸福的感觉。 In fact, they tended to revert to the way they felt before they became rich. 事实上，他们往往又回到致富前的心理状态。 Previously contented people continue to be contented, while those who were miserable before sink back into misery. 过去满足的人仍然很满足，而那些在过去郁郁寡欢的人则又重拾悲伤。 If material wealth does not bring happiness, then what does? 如果物质生活的富裕无法带来快乐，那么到底什么才能使人快乐呢？ |
