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30 People On Reddit Respond To The Viral “What Popular Saying Is Actually Nonsense” Thread
"Money can't buy happiness," "looks don't matter," "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger": chances are you've heard all of these popular sayings more than a dozen times. Or even said them yourself—but do you really believe them? It's easy to say that money can't buy happiness for someone for whom money isn't a problem. But for someone who struggles to make ends meet and keep a roof over their head, money sure does bring at least some happiness or relief.
This week, one Reddit user asked others to share which popular sayings they find to be complete rubbish. As always, hundreds of people participated in the discussion, mentioning some really common sayings and explaining why they're nonsense. Scroll down below to read the best 45 replies and vote for the ones you agree with!
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"Money can't buy happiness."
Poverty can't buy anything.
Yep. This is the highest order of bullshittery. Money may not buy happiness but it will definitely buy comfort to make me forget about my miseries.
I get that the money itself does not get you happniess, but let's be real, you can do things with money, vacations, donations, upgrade your home, buy gifts that willmake you happy.
This is the exact falsehood though. The gifts and shít don’t make you happy at all. Not at all. Money buys happiness only in the sense that being poor is a fuçking miserable hellish experience. So it eliminates being poor. That’s it and that’s all. You can have all that other stuff and still be so sad. You just have a better chance at having free time to focus and better yourself.
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Poor people are well aware that money can't buy love, friendship or family. Because they can have all that and still be miserable because they can't afford food.
Money buys you security. It you have money, you can be sure you are eating well, living in a safe place, afford good education which would later leads you to better jobs. But most of all, you can afford to offer the same security to your family. When you have all that security, you can pretty much say you are happy/content with your life. Money CAN buy you Happiness through Security.
Yeah this is some BS a rich person came up with to justify not paying workers a real wage
I think the point is that money can buy an awful lot of things (including security, comfort, and health), but there isn’t a correlation between happiness and wealth. It is better in so many ways to have wealth than poverty, but don’t expect wealth to be the source of your happiness.
I gather that most commenting about this have never heard of the "lottery curse". While the curse is nonsense, they are more than enough examples of people winning huge lotteries and becoming more miserable after winning. So many they've made several TV specials about them.
There is absolutely nothing false about "money can't buy happiness", so this isn't nonsense. The two statements of #1 do not negate one another.
Not false nor true. Example: my daughter is very ill, needs very very expensive tratment. I have lots of money and can pay her treatment. Now i'm happy she's alive.
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Money can buy happnies. At one point in my life I finally achieved the epitome of adulting. I had all my bills set on auto pay including my mortgage. Got it all set up in 2019. Then 2020 happened.
"Money can't buy happiness. Just look at the current First Family."
Only people say that who have no money worries. Because having money means being able to pay for basic needs such as food, drink and a roof over your head. And being able to do that means luck.
I've been broke and I've been not broke. I'm definitely happier being not broke.
Yes it can, but only to a point. There are actual studies that show when people have more money (enough that they feel secure about their present and future) they're happier. Any more above that, no so much.
It was $70,000 USD per year back when the study was done. That really isn’t much but it’s definitely not poverty.
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The shelter only charged me around $100 for my puppy and she’s definitely made me happy! Not to mention the two kitties I got for $35 at a different shelter who also bring great joy. I’d say I bought a lot of happiness at a very low price over the years!
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But that’s not what the statement is saying. It can be true that both rich people can be miserable and that living paycheque to paycheque is a huge source of emotional distress at the same time. Money can buy freedom from the stress of poverty, but it cannot buy spiritual fulfilment
Money doesn't make the world go 'round, but it makes for a less rockier ride
To me, your forced to go back to how it used to be. Humans were socially driven, not cellphone socially driven meaning the bonds and moments made with other people were organic and natural. To escape hardships, even temporarily mentally, we gravitated towards each other. It takes a village to raise us all . And now our codependency is not for energy or the feeling of the living, it's instant technological escape. Money can buy an endless amount of that, therefore it's tied to happiness sometimes. It's nothing more than distraction. Money cannot buy what hardship or "poverty" can reep. From sadness comes love, love built shacks into homes. Money will build houses.
But money can buy food, shelter, clothing, healthcare and an education which could lead to happiness.
Only 2 thangs that money cain’t buy; that’s True Loving and home grown tomaters!
My dad always said :"Money can't buy happiness - but it can sure as hell take your mind off of being sad!"
Wish someone would give me enough money - I could be happy, plus make a lot of others happy!!
"Money is the root of all evil." Well, lack of money is the root of all desperation.
Money can't buy happiness? Sure it can... but I'll never know it because I'm stupid and poor.
Completely rubbing. Money can buy happiness...peace of mind, therapy, security, helping others... so yes money CAN and DOES buy happiness.
I think this is going in the completely wrong direction... this saying is not about "money is bad", but it says that money can't buy EVERYTHING. That's it, plain and simple. Just because poverty sucks doesn't make money the heal-all-saviour. So this saying is still TRUE. Nothing about nonsense here.
There are plenty of miserable rich people. There are plenty of depressed ppl who have a decent standard of living. I don't think this one belongs on the list. Yes poverty will increase the possibility of being unhappy I would say; but that doesn't negate the fact that money genuinely doesn't buy happiness.
It doesn't say money is useless. Just that it doesn't replace or even can buy EVERYTHING that could make you happy. I think it's meant to be interpreted as "also spend some time with your friends and family, even if it means losing out on some profits". Don't see what's so stupid about that?
This is the sort of phrase that you have to experience. You can’t explain what it means, because happiness is a contentment of the soul, that has no words. Elvis Presley overdosed because he had all the money in the world, but happiness was elusive to him..Many people think wealthy people must be the happiest people in the world, but that is not a true statement. Even Dr. Seuss tells us that after the Grinch stole all the gifts from whosville, Christmas came. So maybe happiness does mean just a little bit more.
This one is correct. it doesn't buy happiness, it buys stuff that makes you happy for a bit, but not genuine happiness. The second half is true though, but it doesn't mean people in poverty can't have happiness along with their struggles. No one is happy all of the time.
Who said: "Money doesn't make you happy, but I prefer to cry in a taxi than on the tram ..." ?
I could buy a ton of happiness if I had the money. I would buy a beautiful house with a pool in Maui and stay home all the time and just bask in the beauty and peace of it all and appreciate every second of everything. I don't want fancy cars, to jetset to exotic vacations or to show off on social media, I just want a peaceful sanctuary. Money could definitely buy that.
Off course it can - invitro, beautiful home, healthy food, new teeth, education, video games ...
It is a lot easier to trust in the LORD if you only need him for a few things.
Thats because it's not the full saying. "Money can't buy happiness, but it feels better to cry in a new car than in a bicycle"
"The Customer is Always Right." Because half of it's missing. The full truism is "The Customer is Always Right in matters of taste."
Guy wants a pint of half baileys, half orange juice? He's paying...
Lady wants to wear a raw turkey as a hat? You do you love...
What it doesn't mean is that Kyle and Karen get free reign to treat people like [crap] because they happen to be handing over money at some stage of the interaction.
"There's plenty of fish in the sea"
You know what else there's plenty of in the sea? Trash.
‘If you can’t handle me at my worst you don’t deserve me at my best’
This is like toxic relationship starter pack stuff
This is a statement I have heard when they are ready to bail at the first sign of someone else's problems.
'What doesnt kill you just makes you stronger'..... bull. 2x cancer survivor here, it sure didnt make me any stronger...
"Looks don't matter."
They do. Not always, not completely, but they very much do matter. Humans are kind of superficial in that regard.
Yes they matter, the real truth to this saying is that not everyone finds the same things attractive.
"It doesn't matter who started it."
Of course it does. Even legally the concept of who did what first is recognized as vital.
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
Nah mate, it just gives you trauma.
“Good things come to those who wait.”
Try waiting your whole life and see what comes to you.
I think that's an untrue quote too. if you want something good you have to work for it.
"it's just how I am." Well you're a [damn prick], change your behavior and act like a decent human!
"Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg are college dropouts"
Dude they went to Harvard, not community college.!
I hate when people use this one. Although I still agree you don’t need to have a degree to be a successful entrepreneur. But not everyone wants to be an entrepreneur. There’s no such thing as a college dropout surgeon.
“Happiness is a choice.” That’s maybe sometimes a little true, but depression is real, and it’s not what anyone chose.
Everything happens for a reason. (Like rape, murder, death of children, starvation, genocide, etc). Or my favorite, God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.
Recently someone told me a string of these statements. The underlying message, it will never happen to her. So, God let me have cancer; because of previous trauma, he knew I could handle it? The God I pray to is compassionate, loving, forgiving, and loves me. Nothing happens for reason, really? Explain cancer, abusive parents, and the rest. Yes I am stronger from surviving all it, so I deserve more? Her smug smile said she believed this was the appropriate response, she was being supportive, and kind. I was speechless. It is was a reminder of how painful words from a stranger can be. A skill I do not want or admire (Cancer was not traumatic, only stage 2, death was not an issue, the months of treatment were just annoying. I cried once. The doctors thought I was brave, I wasn't. My tears, frustration and anger were already used up.)
"Life is like a box of chocolate. You never know what you're gonna get." Every box of chocolate I have seen has a little book that tells you what you'll get.
When someone tells a depressed person "just exercise and drink water." [Hell], I barely have enough motivation to breathe, what makes you think I'm gonna get up to exercise.
Telling a depressed person that they just need to exercise and drink water will only add to their guilt. Sometimes, they just need antidepressants.
"Practice makes perfect!"
I had a teacher that used to point out that no, practice makes permanent. If you practice something in an incorrect way, you're going to perform incorrectly.
“Sleep is for the weak” or “I’ll sleep when I die” Well actually, not sleeping is making you weaker and decreasing your lifespan as you gloat about it right now. Sleep is essential people.
I love my sleep. Anyone who believes these can GTFO and turn off the lights on the way out. Please and thank you. PS: Don't forget the door.
You don't need money to be happy.
Usually this quote is being used by those who are already filthy rich
Money buys food. A full belly feels much better than a hallow aching one. Not everyone sleeps in a bed. Some by choice, others due to circumstances they have no control of. Clean clothes that fit are wonderful. Worrying constantly about having money to pay bills is miserable. No health care! The list goes on. People's life's can be fundamentally changed with a larger fair income. Those with money do not want part with it. They can never have enough and have the power to change the rules to help them keep it. They need lots of money to be happy.
"Violence is never the answer."
It isn't usually the answer. But occasionally...it really is.
Sometimes, it is. My friends and I used to get bullied by this group of boys in middle school (they targeted one girl in particular). One day, we were playing card games when two of them sat next to us, uninvited, and the rest stood by the table, blocking us in. They started making fun of us and being asses, but we tried to ignore them and continued playing, so they took our cards, threw them everywhere and even started tearing them up. The 'ringleader' had sat next to me, and idk WHAT possessed me to do it, but I promptly turned around and SLAMMED his head into the wall as hard as I could. He and his buddies started calling me crazy but they scrambled away, and they left us alone after that.
"A watched pot never boils."
It does, I've checked.
“If you tell me the truth you won’t get into trouble”
Using the phrase, "it's just a few bad apples," to protect an institution when the full proverb says, " a few bad apples spoils the bunch."
Be yourself. If you're a [prick] and even the nice people hate you, then you should change and not be yourself
Hard work never killed anyone
Hmm . . . working fields and building pyramids did not make for longevity.
“Sleep like a baby”. It implies that babies sleep really well. My second is 4 days old; I can confirm babies don’t sleep well.
Like the old joke: "How are you sleeping?", "like a baby - I wake up crying every two hours".
You can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Only if you are practical concerning your goals. I'm too old to be a gymnast but I can play piano like Elton John.
"It's better to ask forgiveness than permission." Yeah eventually people are just gonna stop forgiving you.
It is a quote from Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, and it is related to being from an underprivileged group. It also does not mean that a person can do anything and then ask for forgiveness. It means that, when a person sees that an important action needs to be taken, they should do it, and not wait for permission. It does NOT mean that you should "borrow" your neighbor's Lamborghini for a joy ride, and then apologize.
If you love something set it free...
Uh no if you love something smother it with affection until you catch the early flight home and catch a couple naked dudes tag teaming your fiancé
'What goes around, comes around.'
I've seen so many good, honest people get screwed over by toxic, immoral people who never get their comeuppance. The concept of karma is [bullcrap].
Sometimes karma needs a kick in the butt -- don't just wait for something to happen. Make a call, talk to people, help someone when you know what to do. It can still be karma. You can be that karma.
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me
yeah, like if someone's abusive... the emotional wounds from the words will last longer then any physical wounds.
"The early bird gets the worm" - um....no? Sleep cycles differ. There's quite a lot of research about that. Morning persons are not automatically more productive
Good for the bird; death for a worm. But who wants to live on worms?
Whatever happens, happens for a reason
Thing is, the reason has no obligation to be relevant, interesting, or important.
Time heals all wounds.
Malarkey.
Nope, wounds can fester and grow. Every time it happens, the scabs are ripped off. It worsens. A priest told me I must forgive, but it doesn't mean I should hang out with them. Phew. "I am sorry" are magic words, not used often enough. It isn't time that heals but acknowledging, accepting --- owning your mistake. Admitting it wasn't the right thing to do. Chronic, never ending medical problems, the death of a loved one are painful experiences. Time doesn't make a difference.
Blood is thicker than water. Wanna know what else is thicker than water? [Bullcrap].
The full saying is, "the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb." It is saying that the relationships you choose are stronger than relationships of birth.
"Do what makes you happy" in regards to searching for a career.
Because I have come to find that people tend to not be passionate about their jobs. Sure, there are some who enjoy it but it isn't something they're passionate about. I personally believe that any hobby you turn into a necessity kills your love for said hobby, of course it's not true for everyone but it's true for me and apparently a lot of people who have commented about their experiences. In the end, you'll either land a job you are passionate about in which you'll be the lucky few or you'll land a job you won't be passionate about and feel like you failed because you aren't passionate about your job. I would prefer the saying "do what you find tolerable and use the money to pursue what you actually love". Also some passions cannot be turned into careers and some people just don't have passions, my passion for running isn't something I can make a reliable income with. That's something else I recognized as I remember lots of people in my HS did not know what to pursue after HS because they did not have any passions in any fields or in general.
I have to say that my job makes me very happy. I honestly love what I do and it doesn't feel like work. It fuels my soul and finances my passions.
'Never judge a book by its cover' as someone who works in a bookshop - you're damn right I'm gonna judge the quality of a book by its production. As do most customers. I have gotten insights into the world of publishing and the decisions they make based on the quality and success of the product they are pushing.
For instance - an author just starting out? The catchy title of the book is going to be the biggest text on the book. The author has brought out 3-4 books that are proving succesful? The text size of their name is going to be equal to the title. Ian Rankin or Kate Atkinson? Their name is going to be the biggest text on that cover because that's what draws customers in. I remember chatting to James Oswald who said 'I knew I had made it when my name got bigger'
Our Scottish buyer is very good at sniffing out underdog books. Books that are incredibly well-written, but haven't got the recognition they deserve, and she will discuss with the publisher about changing the cover of the book to reflect this. Suddenly huge boosts in sales.
When a customer is looking for an obscure title, and I look it up, I can almost immediately tell if its a low quality independent publication by the way the cover looks.
Disclaimer - much like with the underdogs, there are ALWAYS exceptions to rules. And it is definitely not always the case that a low quality looking book is necessarily a bad read. It's just often an indication of a first time or unpublished author, who hasn't had a chance to hone their craft yet.
I'm an author, and my rule of thumb is when you're choosing publishers to approach, look at the quality of their book covers. A good cover means they care about what they're doing, and will therefore likely put just as much effort into every other aspect of getting your book into good shape and on the shelves. Also, really cheap, ugly-looking covers often mean the publisher has no money.
What you don’t know can’t hurt you , while yes it’s technically true it’s also not a positive thing , theoretically if someone’s partner was cheating on them yes they don’t know so they can’t be hurt but it’s still a bad thing
Probably means you can't feel bad about something you don't know, but things can still hurt you . . . like missing a sign saying BRIDGE OUT.
Opposites attract.
They don’t. Birds of a feather flock together, on the other hand, is usually true for relationships.
Opposites are a curiosity. But having more things in common makes for stronger bonds.
Everything is fair in love, war and game.
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result”
It’s not.
Wanting a relationship with my mother is not realistic. Any gesture of kindness or love opens the door for the torrent of criticism. Do I keep trying? Yes. Does every new rejection hurt less or more? Oh, so much more. Every doctor, including my oncologist, begged me to end all communication with her. How strong is the desire to please a parent? When will I accept I have been been her emotional crutch my entire life? I believe my depression intensifies the problem. Or vice versa. Many aspects in our life follow a similar pattern. We are told not to give up, to be strong, when fact giving up is the best thing to do.
“Don’t worry about it.”
Coworkers say this when other coworkers start stonewalling you, death staring you, and becoming visibly uncomfortable in your presence.
I don't know if it is only me but motivational talks demotivate me tremendously.
You aren't alone. I can't listen to that all warm fuzzy bull s**t.
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i really hate it when people say, "just ignore them, they're just doing it to get a rise out of you" a) do you have any idea how difficult it is to ignore them? and b) some people are just crap people
How about proverbs that contradict each other: 1. Absence makes the heart grow fonder v. Familiarity breeds contempt. 2. Look before you leap v. He who hesitates is lost. 3. Every cloud has a silver lining v. The light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train. 4. Don't change horses in mid-stream v. A new broom sweeps cleaner. 5. Finish what you start v. Don't throw good money after bad. 6. Opposites attract v. Birds of a feather flock together. 7. Clothes make the man v. Don't judge a book by its cover. 8. Great minds think alike v. Fools seldom differ. 9. Haste makes waste v. Time and Tide waits for no man. 10. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth v. Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
1) Yeah, those are saying the same thing. 2) Don’t hesitate unnecessarily, but definitely don’t make an action without considering the consequences. 3) There’s a bright side and a dark side to every situation. 4) I don’t think those have much to do with each other, correct me if I’m wrong. 5) See 4 6) You have a point there. 7) The interior often impacts the exterior, but it’s good to look deeper. 8) Great minds will often analyze the situation and come to the same conclusion, whilst fools will all do the stupidest thing imaginable. 9) Similar to 2, don’t rush it, but don’t waste time. 10) Accept gifts politely, but examine it away from the giver.
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"He's a nice guy once you get to know him." Translation: He's an asshole, but you'll get used to it.
"Only God can judge me" - What? Don't you think you should be responsible for your actions now and not when you die? When I see someone with this tattooed, I instantly assume they are stupid.
“Only God can judge”- well mate, why aren’t you worried?
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I used to tell my buddy for just about every single little common cliché' there is often a quite opposite one that is equally as popular. - a stitch in time saves nine / if it ain't broke, don't fix it - good things come to those who wait / early bird gets the worm - a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush / nothing ventured, nothing gained etc etc.
I hate 'you can't buy health'. You can buy better food, better environment to live at(better place to live), better vitamin, better health care, etc. Yes, health itself maybe not, bit definitely better chances to overcome whatever comes at you.
Yes! And telling little girls “he’s being mean to you because he likes you!”
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'Love is love' or 'All love wins' or phrases like that. Unless of course it's paedophilia. 'Be true to yourself'/'Follow your dreams' - unless of course you are a serial killer or you dream of wiping out another race. 'Shoot for the moon, if you miss you'll be among the stars' - no, you'll probably be in crippling debt from all the money invested in following your dream - shoot for the moon, but have a parachute and a fall back position.
I personally find "you cant have your cake and eat it too" really daft. Whats the point of cake ifnot to scoff it...
If you eat your cake, you don’t have it anymore. You literally cannot do both.
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"Love yourself" You know it's pretty hard for people like me to just love ourselves. Our brains will always see ourselves as pure trash until we change and become who we want to be. Words cannot change the way we think about ourselves. The way other people think about us cannot change the way we think about ourselves.
Anything involving the word 'Passion'. I now refuse to apply for jobs that say 'Your passion is inspiring the citizens of tomorrow to think critically etc etc etc'. The school I see advertising a job like that is going to get anthrax in the mail and a copy of Epictetus.
No one included “The cream always rises to the top.” As in, if you’re really good enough, you’ll succeed without any support, and despite all the misfortunes and crap that life throws at you. Not true. In reality, s**t also rises to the top, and it can choke you.
I don't know if it is only me but motivational talks demotivate me tremendously.
You aren't alone. I can't listen to that all warm fuzzy bull s**t.
Load More Replies... i really hate it when people say, "just ignore them, they're just doing it to get a rise out of you" a) do you have any idea how difficult it is to ignore them? and b) some people are just crap people
How about proverbs that contradict each other: 1. Absence makes the heart grow fonder v. Familiarity breeds contempt. 2. Look before you leap v. He who hesitates is lost. 3. Every cloud has a silver lining v. The light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train. 4. Don't change horses in mid-stream v. A new broom sweeps cleaner. 5. Finish what you start v. Don't throw good money after bad. 6. Opposites attract v. Birds of a feather flock together. 7. Clothes make the man v. Don't judge a book by its cover. 8. Great minds think alike v. Fools seldom differ. 9. Haste makes waste v. Time and Tide waits for no man. 10. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth v. Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
1) Yeah, those are saying the same thing. 2) Don’t hesitate unnecessarily, but definitely don’t make an action without considering the consequences. 3) There’s a bright side and a dark side to every situation. 4) I don’t think those have much to do with each other, correct me if I’m wrong. 5) See 4 6) You have a point there. 7) The interior often impacts the exterior, but it’s good to look deeper. 8) Great minds will often analyze the situation and come to the same conclusion, whilst fools will all do the stupidest thing imaginable. 9) Similar to 2, don’t rush it, but don’t waste time. 10) Accept gifts politely, but examine it away from the giver.
Load More Replies... "He's a nice guy once you get to know him." Translation: He's an asshole, but you'll get used to it.
"Only God can judge me" - What? Don't you think you should be responsible for your actions now and not when you die? When I see someone with this tattooed, I instantly assume they are stupid.
“Only God can judge”- well mate, why aren’t you worried?
Load More Replies... I used to tell my buddy for just about every single little common cliché' there is often a quite opposite one that is equally as popular. - a stitch in time saves nine / if it ain't broke, don't fix it - good things come to those who wait / early bird gets the worm - a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush / nothing ventured, nothing gained etc etc.
I hate 'you can't buy health'. You can buy better food, better environment to live at(better place to live), better vitamin, better health care, etc. Yes, health itself maybe not, bit definitely better chances to overcome whatever comes at you.
Yes! And telling little girls “he’s being mean to you because he likes you!”
Load More Replies... 'Love is love' or 'All love wins' or phrases like that. Unless of course it's paedophilia. 'Be true to yourself'/'Follow your dreams' - unless of course you are a serial killer or you dream of wiping out another race. 'Shoot for the moon, if you miss you'll be among the stars' - no, you'll probably be in crippling debt from all the money invested in following your dream - shoot for the moon, but have a parachute and a fall back position.
I personally find "you cant have your cake and eat it too" really daft. Whats the point of cake ifnot to scoff it...
If you eat your cake, you don’t have it anymore. You literally cannot do both.
Load More Replies... "Love yourself" You know it's pretty hard for people like me to just love ourselves. Our brains will always see ourselves as pure trash until we change and become who we want to be. Words cannot change the way we think about ourselves. The way other people think about us cannot change the way we think about ourselves.
Anything involving the word 'Passion'. I now refuse to apply for jobs that say 'Your passion is inspiring the citizens of tomorrow to think critically etc etc etc'. The school I see advertising a job like that is going to get anthrax in the mail and a copy of Epictetus.
No one included “The cream always rises to the top.” As in, if you’re really good enough, you’ll succeed without any support, and despite all the misfortunes and crap that life throws at you. Not true. In reality, s**t also rises to the top, and it can choke you.
