During one of these discussions, quite polarized, which I witnessed without taking a stance, an old lady supporting "yes, money brings happiness" arrogantly made a comment intended to exhaust the discussion:
"Okay, arguing with stubborn people is a waste of time! Therefore, in order only to make you happy, I proclaim your 'victory, suggesting that all the money eventually coming to your hands be transferred to my Swiss Bank account in Zürich. Good Bye, and BE HAPPY!!!"
Attempting a Wittgenstein-style analysis to solve the semantic mess of this debate, I came to a simple conclusion:
There is a pernicious linguistic confusion about the concept of Happiness!
Money certainly makes it easier to have joyful moments, but even a huge uninterrupted series of joys cannot be confused with true happiness.