In a recent post on his blog, Stephen Mack discussed “liberty, equality, and fraternity” as being three values most important to Americans, but he claims we only truly care about liberty and in part, fraternity. While Mack is largely correct, Americans care more for fraternity than he gives credit, as fraternity is one of the most important necessities to have life, to have liberty, and to be happy. “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” is the American Dream, at least in theory, and without fraternity, that dream cannot be recognized.
Money cannot buy happiness, but not having enough money can prevent happiness. Bills coming in and having no money to pay the rent is a very tough experience, and having to go through that on a frequent basis can cause people to be unhappy. However, some individuals who do have this sort of lifestyle have led happy lives, relying on friends and others to provide pleasure in their lives. On the opposite end of the spectrum, money being no object in any decision in life does not promise happiness. People will flock to mooch or pretend to be a friend to get a piece of the dough, but money cannot buy you true friends. Without real connections to friends, family, or other people, true happiness cannot be found, despite what one’s outward appearance may be.
True friends and camaraderie – “fraternity” – can help one find happiness without economic success, but without them, happiness is impossible. So while I agree by and large with Mack’s assertions, he falls slightly short on the fraternity front.
I agree that fraternity has been undervalued; but I also think it's important to acknowledge its presence as a cultural foundation of American society rather than as a founding principle of it. I believe that fraternity is a condition that has been embraced - as you describe - due to its emotional benefits which in turn procure a degree of happiness or satisfaction with one's life. I would add to your conclusion, however, that it is important to consider how much of this cultural condition (that money cannot buy you happiness) is an effect of our society's deep commitment to individualism and the vocalization of this individuality, and how much is an effect of our inherent human nature as social beings.
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