Quote by Arthur C. Brooks
The truth is that relative income is not directly related to happiness. Nonpartisan social-survey data clearly show that the big driver of happiness is earned success: a person's belief that he has created value in his life or the life of others.
Summary
This quote highlights that the correlation between income and happiness is not as straightforward as commonly believed. Research indicates that achieving a sense of fulfillment and purpose, referred to as "earned success," is a significant determinant of happiness. It emphasizes the importance of individuals feeling that they have contributed value to their own lives or the lives of others for experiencing genuine happiness. This suggests that material wealth alone does not guarantee overall well-being and that a deeper sense of accomplishment and meaning is crucial for achieving true happiness.