answer:I believe that money cannot increase happiness, but a lack of basic materials to sustain ourselves and family can make us unhappy. I believe many people do not understand what makes them happy and unhappy. Instead of meditating on why they feel sad, ill, or non-productive and stuck financially, they turn to media, drugs, over-eating, etc. I think many of us are taught by others from a young age what is supposed to make us happy. Money is a huge factor that we were taught will affect our happiness. So, throughout life we may focus too much on material wealth, which cannot satisfy our needs, and then blame our perceived lack of wealth as the root of our unhappiness. I recommend this book on the subject of happiness.