Is depression caused by chemical or genetic causes, or is it simply a reaction to a world that one finds hostile? The debate is ongoing, but contrary to the “money can’t buy happiness” school of thought, there seems to be considerable evidence that depression is associated with lower incomes. What is not clear is if depression causes lower incomes, or is the result of lower incomes.

For our purposes, we find it not surprising at all that in a world where people get rich from lawsuits, financial shenanigans, and many other unworthy causes, that depression is the result. After all it’s depressing to watch others get rich without creating value, while we work hard at doing the right thing and never seem to be rewarded for it. In any event, for those that view the world as essentially hostile, you get extra points for keeping on going.