The successful pursuit of wealth does make us more happy, if only temporarily. But it’s hard to tell whether the author is mainly empirical or moralistic. We SHOULD, he says, take pleasure in thinking about what we’ve achieved, as well as in not being docile dependents. AND most of all we should take time to CONTEMPLATE how the pursuit of wealth has improved the lives of our LOVED ones. We should remember how BLESSED we are because of what others have done. Excellent, if not altogether libertarian, advice.
I cannot get excited, not even a little, about a study of "happiness" which leaves that term undefined. Aristotle, call your office.