Is it possible that having less can actually give us more? At first glance, it may sound like one of those frustrating clichés designed to console those who are struggling. Many people would rightly push back, arguing that when your basic needs aren’t being met, romanticizing scarcity is offensive and out of touch. But what if, once our fundamental needs are met, less truly could be more?

When we’re not consumed by the pursuit of more—more money, more things, more status—we open ourselves to a different kind of abundance. Research and real-life stories suggest that shifting our relationship with money and material goods can change not only our perspective but also our well-being.

In times of economic hardship, history shows us that people tend to pull together more. Think of families during the Great Depression, gathered around board games, sharing meals, and taking long walks. While it’s easy to see this through a nostalgic lens, these stories carry truth: scarcity can build community. When we have less, we’re more inclined to lean on others, to help, and to be helped. We re-discover the richness of human connection, whether through bonding with parents after moving back home or finding purpose in community or faith groups after job loss.

Losing a job or source of income, though painful, can jolt us into a new clarity. It might force us to ask: What truly matters to me? In this moment of rupture, we might find unexpected motivation to pursue long-forgotten passions or discover a gratitude for what we still have—whether it’s a job we once complained about or the love of our family. Life’s difficulties often redirect us toward what we value most: health, nature, peace, relationships.

Interestingly, having less often sparks creativity. With less money, we’re compelled to innovate. During the 2008 recession, garage sales flourished and people found inventive ways to trade or share. We begin to rethink what’s essential, what’s wasteful, and how we might get by differently. With fewer resources, we stretch what we have, discover new skills, and build confidence in our ability to adapt and rebuild.

Living with less also encourages us to slow down and conserve. When we buy less, we waste less. We start to reuse, repair, and cherish what we already own. We conserve not only material goods but also our time and energy. In the process, we begin to tread more lightly on the planet, becoming more mindful consumers and kinder stewards of the environment.

The global financial crisis of 2008 was a wake-up call for many. Though the initial response was fear and despair, it also seeded a quieter cultural shift. For some, it led to reevaluating consumer habits, appreciating the present moment, and strengthening connections with loved ones. As scientists have noted, adversity can prompt us to be more grateful, more connected, and more outward-looking—fostering community, purpose, and resilience.

Of course, this is not to ignore the very real pain and fear that comes with poverty. The author shares personal memories of moving to the United States as a child and experiencing the anxiety of financial instability—of broken-down cars, missed bills, and the gnawing ache of uncertainty. But they also recall the richness of those times spent together as a family, telling stories, sharing meals, and imagining the future. It wasn’t ideal, but it was meaningful. And had they understood then what they know now, they might have embraced those moments more fully.

Eventually, we all must come to terms with our financial realities. Whether our struggles stem from misfortune or our own choices, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that only more money will fix everything. But that belief may be the very thing holding us back. Instead, we can focus on the values and practices that lead to genuine fulfillment—connection, gratitude, creativity, and purpose.

When we stop chasing more, we start living with intention. We may find that less doesn’t mean lack, but rather space—space to breathe, to grow, to love, and to live fully.

Excerpted and inspired by “The Myths of Happiness” by Sonja Lyubomirsky.