In a recent LinkedIn post, Simon Squibb explores the complex relationship between money and happiness, arguing that true fulfillment stems not from accumulation, but from creating value for the world.
Squibb, reflecting from his lodge in New Zealand, directly addresses the age-old question: Does money make you happy? His answer is a definitive no, with a crucial caveat.
“Of course basic human needs must be met via money but after that I have found I make more money and have a better life when I find ways to bring value to the world.”
This sentiment forms the core of Squibb’s argument. He posits that while money is essential for meeting fundamental needs, its power to generate happiness diminishes significantly beyond that threshold. Instead, he suggests that a more prosperous and fulfilling life is achieved by focusing on contributing value to others and the wider community.
The Shift from Transactional to Generative Mindsets
Squibb advocates for a paradigm shift in how we approach our interactions and endeavors, moving away from a purely transactional mindset. He highlights the importance of adopting a generative approach, which he describes as “give without take.”
“We need to move away from “give and take” to “give without take” to be happy.”
According to Squibb, this philosophy is not merely about altruism but is intrinsically linked to personal and financial well-being. By focusing on giving value first, individuals can unlock greater personal satisfaction and, paradoxically, often find that increased financial success follows.
Rethinking Our Biological Drivers
The author further delves into the evolutionary perspective, suggesting that our inherent biological programming is not fundamentally aligned with a money-driven existence. He points out the relatively recent invention of money in the grand scheme of human history.
“Money is only 11,000 years old and our DNA is not designed to be money driven, we are tribal and we just want our tribe to be happy to be happy.”
In Squibb’s view, our DNA is more attuned to tribal well-being and communal happiness. This tribal instinct, he argues, suggests that our deepest desires are rooted in the collective happiness of our ‘tribe’ rather than individual monetary gain. True happiness, therefore, is found in contributing to the well-being of the group.
A Call to Action for Value Creation
To encourage this shift, Squibb issues a practical challenge to his readers, asking them to engage in a small act of giving without expecting immediate returns.
“How can you give without take for 5 minutes today and start?”
This simple, actionable step is designed to help individuals begin practicing the principle of value creation. Squibb frames this not just as a path to happiness, but as a fundamental reorientation towards a more meaningful and ultimately more rewarding way of living and doing business.
His concluding question, “What’s your dream?”, invites further reflection on personal aspirations, implicitly linking dreams to the potential for creating value and achieving a deeper sense of purpose.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Simon Squibb on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 1, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →