People are mostly happy; that’s how evolution made us, optimistic; those who weren’t didn’t survive, or they had no self-awareness, like animals, but when asked, people admit that things could be better. They’re not sure what the things are that would make them happy but money is certainly #1 on their list because the perception is that money can cure all ills. Contrary to what most Advice columnists say, that’s true, money is the cure to almost everything because money provides opportunity, and opportunity is one of the 2 components of liberty, and liberty makes people happy, or at least satisfied. Liberty-centric people are also wise enough to know that happiness is transitory: here now, gone later, hopefully to return, though not in the same way.

What makes this analysis provocative is that money is imaginary and only has value as a mechanism of achieving your personal goals. What are your personal goals? Certainly not just the accumulation of money for bragging rights only. What about achievements like getting an education or excelling in your career? Or accomplishments like maintaining your health & traveling the world? Personal goals don’t count if they’re assigned to you by society: morals & values are not goals, egalitarianism is not personal, and recognition by your peers puts control over your life into somebody else’s hands. Certainly, Personal goals are facilitated by money, merit & luck.