Closing Proposition Speech
The discussion we are assisting is pretty rich and full of arguments, and I want to seize the opportunity I have been given to bring some details or relevant precisions.
The numerous possible definitions of « happiness » has brought a little confusion : all the members of the opposition have been focusing on very particular cases that are not appropriate regarding the motion.
Closing Opposition Speech
The numerous possible definitions of « happiness » has brought a little confusion : all the members of the opposition have been focusing on very particular cases that are not appropriate regarding the motion.
Closing Opposition Speech
Whether or not happiness can be bought could be a tricky question. Yet with a little bit of wisdom you can’t have any doubt. My partners have proven you that money can’t buy happiness and this with many arguments and examples which I would like to sum up for you. The answer will undoubtedly be clear then.
Closing Proposition Speech
Closing Proposition Speech
The discussion we are assisting is pretty rich and full of arguments, and I want to seize the opportunity I have been given to bring some details or relevant precisions.
There are « the old wealthy men married with young beautiful ladies ». Notwithstanding the rareness of these cases, who told you that these man were not happy? Why would their conception of happiness not include the fact of being considered or the pride of dating such a lady? Because I'm sure that regards from the others are truly important in these social backgrounds. All the same, on what grounds do you say that « the most inner wish of a man is probably to cross the ages »? This is a very narrow-minded and, worse, egocentric vision of happiness. By the way, Bill Gates will probably not be forgotten in the « torrent of History » when you consider him as the first man in History whose fortune is more important than the richness of 12 developping countries.
As Nicolas righteously underlined it, happiness is a very subjective notion. You might find some narrow definitions and some non-significant examples : Pygmies are certainly happy, in a way which is their own, and which we cannot compare to my or your way to feel happy. And how deeply moving the exemple of the spoiled child was... again, be cautious when using dangerous generalisations! What about the « inner unhappiness » caused by money? It may be the case for someone whose spirit is easily corrupted, but don't forget that there are many people whose definition of « happiness » takes in account the fact of having enough money to buy what they truly long (and not what the consumer society want them to want, but this is another debate), or at least « possessing » (as a material definition of happiness). For them, sure that happiness can be bought. But as our Prime Minister announced, we did not play on the word can and so I will not, nor will I keep developping this example. It would be a cynical kind of humour in my speech...
The numerous possible definitions of « happiness » has brought a little confusion : all the members of the opposition have been focusing on very particular cases that are not appropriate regarding the motion.
There are « the old wealthy men married with young beautiful ladies ». Notwithstanding the rareness of these cases, who told you that these man were not happy? Why would their conception of happiness not include the fact of being considered or the pride of dating such a lady? Because I'm sure that regards from the others are truly important in these social backgrounds. All the same, on what grounds do you say that « the most inner wish of a man is probably to cross the ages »? This is a very narrow-minded and, worse, egocentric vision of happiness. By the way, Bill Gates will probably not be forgotten in the « torrent of History » when you consider him as the first man in History whose fortune is more important than the richness of 12 developping countries.
As Nicolas righteously underlined it, happiness is a very subjective notion. You might find some narrow definitions and some non-significant examples : Pygmies are certainly happy, in a way which is their own, and which we cannot compare to my or your way to feel happy. And how deeply moving the exemple of the spoiled child was... again, be cautious when using dangerous generalisations! What about the « inner unhappiness » caused by money? It may be the case for someone whose spirit is easily corrupted, but don't forget that there are many people whose definition of « happiness » takes in account the fact of having enough money to buy what they truly long (and not what the consumer society want them to want, but this is another debate), or at least « possessing » (as a material definition of happiness). For them, sure that happiness can be bought. But as our Prime Minister announced, we did not play on the word can and so I will not, nor will I keep developping this example. It would be a cynical kind of humour in my speech...
On the contrary, the Floor has perfectly shown that « happiness can be bought » : sure, you might say we also use some precise instances, but the proposing team has at most time defined a broad vision of « happiness ». The motion states that, should you feel unhappy, you can -if you want to- use your bank account to make you happy. As if it is not a moral or a philosophical but a material reason that will make you happy.
Whether happiness represents the « state where our desires are fulfilled » or to achieve our goals ; whether happiness is an ephemeral or a permanent state of mind ; whether happiness comes from a social interactivity or from a deeply personal state : yes, money can be a mean to reach happiness. Money can help you « cherish » every tiny things. Money is not an inhibitor of happiness. That is why I beg you to vote for the motion.
Sylvain W
Closing Opposition Speech
Whether or not happiness can be bought could be a tricky question. Yet with a little bit of wisdom you can’t have any doubt. My partners have proven you that money can’t buy happiness and this with many arguments and examples which I would like to sum up for you. The answer will undoubtedly be clear then.
Despite our different definitions of happiness, we all agreed to say it’s a feeling (a great one by the way). Already the answer seems obvious as you wonder: how the hell can we buy feelings? Of course with money you can buy stuff that help but you can’t restrain happiness to mere object. Material things (obtained with money) provide a momentary feeling always followed by sadness: this clearly can’t be happiness!
Indeed happiness isn’t fulfilling our desires otherwise you would be slave of each and every single void you allegedly want to fill. Spoiled kids aren’t that happy, are they? Mankind isn’t guided by such impulses, such primary behavior. We are more than animal, we find happiness in greater things than in nice flat, good food (bovine pleasure) or fast car. Our mind transcends all this material stuff and therefore we can find happiness in what money brings.
Let us take a concrete example, some parents buy the best school for their kid. If those parents are well-off, this won’t represent much money for them and it will seem normal for the kid to get this school. They are all ok but no real happiness here. However if parents are in dire straits and give everything they can for their kid’s future, parents will be proud and the kid grateful. Happiness will shine upon all of them. On the one side, money means nothing. « This is just a few bucks! » they might think. Thus this act is unable to create happiness. On the other side, it means much more than money. It’s a wonderful proof of love and this is what really matter for the kid. This is why the opposing team is mistaken. For such a case they are blinded with money whereas the real act here is love. Money is our way to exchange in this world but nothing more. Unfortunately it made them lost their mind.
Along with friendship, love and family are the human interactions that bring the real happiness and not the faded one coming from money. I am now sure you can’t deny this fundamental truth: happiness can’t be bought. Don’t loose your mind, vote for us!
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