I think, it is not happiness you feel. It is sense of power, of security. Not happiness, but quite nice to have.

It is same as with the people who are masters of some martial art. They don't need to fight (or spend money) but they know that they can kick anyone's behinds (or buy most enything they desire) and don't do that only because they are such a nice guys (aware of their real needs).

In a word - congratulations!

Actually, I've read in several books about people with wealth, and they readily admit money doesn't buy happiness.


Now, this is probably more the reality, and the wealthy people do say this, at least economic freedom. The only flip side of this is having to protect your wealth (and your person), which is sort of a slavery.

Good analogy. I was into karate some years back and although not a master, I was confident I could at least defend myself in a situation (although I wouldn't go walking down dark alleys looking for test cases ). But you do feel a sense of power whether it was partly over confidence or not, I don't know. Probably the same with lots of wealth, but at least it's a good feeling, even if it isn't a "happy" feeling.