1. Money as an enabler, not a direct source of happiness
Many commenters noted that money’s value lies in what it can buy—security, time, freedom—but beyond a certain point it stops adding happiness.
- “Money is just an instrumental goal. I was thinking about how some have 1000x more money but not 1000x more happiness. Enjoyment doesn’t scale.” (Liftyee)
- “Having money allows you to not worry about some of those topics, or having more time for them.” (101008)
- “Past being a millionaire or so, making money is a clicker game… The super rich aren't making more money because they think more money will buy them correspondingly more happiness.” (bitwize)
- “It just doesn't scale linearly. There's substantial evidence that happiness scales logarithmically with income.” (themacguffinman)
2. Time, freedom, and a quiet mind are the true luxuries
Control over one’s schedule—slow mornings, rest without guilt, and the ability to spend time as one wishes—was repeatedly highlighted as the ultimate luxury.
- “Slow mornings and rest without guilt are very apt and specific but time and health are just general wishes.” (turzmo)
- “Once you gain control of your time, most of your stress melts away.” (qwerpy)
- “Time, quiet mind, slow mornings, rest without guilt, calm and boring days.” (sublinear, echoing the list)
- “Work is not the enemy. A lack of autonomy ruins motivation.” (sublinear)
3. Relationships and love are irreplaceable sources of meaning
Spending time with family, feeling loved, and being loved back were described as the most valuable aspects of life, often outweighing material comforts.
- “Time with my young adult children… there is nothing, and I mean NOTHING more valuable/meaningful to us than when they come home for a visit.” (Multiplayer)
- “So true..had my parents over for Christmas one year and they stayed for 4 days. 3 would have been perfect.” (nly)
- “People who love you back is harder if you truly have money.” (seizethecheese)
- “I would put love above health.” (nuancebydefault)
4. Health (physical and mental) is the foundation for enjoying other luxuries
Good health was repeatedly called a prerequisite for enjoying time, relationships, and freedom; without it, other luxuries lose their value.
- “Health determines the quality and quantity of time, so put that at the top above all else.” (mmaunder)
- “As with many things, it's easier to stay healthy if you are wealthy.” (stackghost)
- “Slow mornings and rest without guilt are very apt and specific but time and health are just general wishes.” (turzmo)
- “If you know your health is insured and you are healthy, you have a decent place where you can feel safe and sleep until late mornings… you basically live like a king.” (romanovcode)