Comment by throw0101a

> I think the question becomes "how does this behavior get rewarded?".

Good behaviour is ideally its own reward: intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation—either (monetary) reward or punishment—is (AIUI) less effective.

Fulfillment through meaningful relationships and accomplishment has been considered the basis of happiness for quite a while:

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eudaimonia

Wealth, honour/fame/glory, power, pleasure are not bad in themselves, but generally can be considered as means to an end of and not really ends in themselves:

* https://philolibrary.crc.nd.edu/article/key-to-happiness/

* https://www.newadvent.org/summa/2002.htm