The essence of happiness may not be tied to financial wealth, but rather to the quality of social connections people maintain. Research suggests that individuals who are married or have strong friendships and family ties report higher levels of happiness compared to those who lack such relationships. This highlights the significance of emotional bonds over material possessions in contributing to one's overall well-being.

In Barry Schwartz's "The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less," the contrast between monetary gain and social fulfillment is explored. It reinforces the idea that true contentment stems from relationships and connections with others, indicating that being surrounded by loved ones can be far more valuable for subjective happiness than merely having financial resources.