Another thing to keep in mind when considering what makes us happy is cultures. I have had the good fortune of being born into one culture, raised in a country with a second slightly different culture, and spending my adult life in a third, very different culture.

It is quite plain to me that people are driven quite differently. There is always the background noise of attaining social approval and status through accumulation of wealth and shiny things.. but each of these cultures scores other things in a slightly different way.

To give one example, in many (perhaps most?) asian cultures, having 3 generations of a family living under one roof, is seen as a sign of (familial) success and unity. I have noticed that in general in the US, the longer you go into adulthood without moving out of your parents home it is considered a sign of failure.

I don't know which one is better, but it is interesting how society influences what makes you happy.