I think the author is probably talking about total wealth, not median income; by that metric, we're richer than in 1999 (though it is less equally distributed),

I think the author is probably talking about total wealth, not median income; by that metric, we're richer than in 1999 (though it is less equally distributed), according to this graph: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a3/Graphic.png https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a3/Graphic.png But whether we go with total wealth or median income, really the point here is the following sentence in the article: I don't think it's as happy as it's ever been. I think the author is taking the long view here, not comparing the present to 1999 or 2009. The claim is that despite having more wealth (by either measure) in the last, say, 20 years than at any other period in our history, we aren't happier because of it. I'm inclined to agree.