Very cool article. I made a similar experience. During the dot-com boom, I made nearly one million in the stock market and then lost everything afterward (except my initial investment). But during the time I had the big bank account, I realized that the money did not make me happy. I did not spend any of the money. Well, we went out for dinner a lot :) But no Ferrari, no big house. I needed nothing besides my friends and the money for food and rent.
I'm not saying that money is not essential, it is, but it will only buy you happiness to a certain point.