I think people take that quote too literally, they hear it and think "but if I buy ____ then I'll be happy".. yeah, it can do that, nobody is saying otherwise, but the whole message relates to an example of, say, a newlywed couple who just moved in to a small home to start a life together, but don't have much money. They're probably still very happy, and probably in ways that a lonely old man who surrounds himself with his wealth will never experience. But I'm sure he's happy in ways that couple might not experience either, it's just up to you what "kind" of happiness are more fulfilling.