^ At some point the marginal utility of money begins to rapidly decline. One study (a few years back, so factor inflation in) suggested that income beyond $75k has very little impact on happiness. I agree that being unable to fulfil basic human needs will cause unhappiness. But once those basic needs are fulfilled, it becomes very hard to achieve happiness through additional material things. More happiness comes from accomplishment or contribution then. Lots of people don’t get that and keep buying a bigger car or a nicer watch hoping to feel more satisfied. They generally aren’t.
I don’t think there is anyone that is advocating not having enough money to survive as a formula for happiness. The question is what is the role of money in creating a happy and successful life after you’ve gotten to that point.