This really seems like an extremely long-winded way to say "money can't buy happiness". Which is partially true, in that after a certain point, once your essent

This really seems like an extremely long-winded way to say "money can't buy happiness". Which is partially true, in that after a certain point, once your essential needs are met you get diminishing returns for happiness on the additional money you make, in part from the additional exertion it takes to do that. However I think this is a huge distraction from the fact that not having enough money to meet your basic needs is aboslutely an impediment to happiness, since this causes a constant state of fear, precariousness and helplessness. Fixing income inequality and helping more people gain access to food stability, healthcare, and jobs that pay a living wage would increase the happiness of many people.