I think Maslow's hierarchy of needs does a good job of explaining this. You need a foundation of safety, food, and shelter to have the energy or trust to focus on other things. Money isn't the only way to get those (I was given free places to stay for 2-3 years of my life and I've worked for food instead of money before), but it's the most reliable one. And having the landlord or taxman constantly at your throat certainly keeps us thinking about money.
I try not to think about money as much as how to get the things I want from money. Like sometimes the best way to improve your health is to take a rest which would lead to less money. If you already have the basics covered, that is sometimes the best choice.
Sometimes I imagine what I would do if my crpyto 100x'ed tomorrow, and honestly, aside from buying a house so I don't need to pay rent...I just want plane tickets, decent food and the freedom to take off from work whenever I want. And then with the rest, I'd pursue some wild business plans that would be more about creating positive change than earning lots and lots of money.
I know rich people, and the only reason I'd say their happy is that they have more freedom, those without freedom aren't happy at all.
If my crypto suddenly 100x’d(which wouldn't be so much) or maybe I win a lottery, I wouldn’t chase luxury. I’d get a stable place to live, travel, play chess tournaments around the world, enjoy good food, and focus on things that actually make me happy.
I never knew of Maslow's hierarchy. But I can look it up and study it. Thanks for stopping by, I always learn something new from you.