Commonwealth Policy Center

Will big money make you happy? Two people who claimed the third biggest lottery in history will soon find out. The $1.337 billion Mega Millions jackpot was claimed by two Chicago residents in its July drawing. They’ve opted to take a lump sum payment of $780.5 million. Many dream of such riches but does a superabundance of money truly make someone happier? Can it make someone a better person? We have a lottery mindset in America, that abundant wealth fills all of our deepest needs. While a jackpot may put someone on easy street, there’s a real danger to put hope in vast wealth. Truth is, money cannot make one love more, strengthen relationships, or give wisdom. It’s well documented that in many cases lottery winnings have destroyed families. We hope the best for for the new multi-millionaires in Chicago, but we also hope that their new found wealth won’t hurt them either.