Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle viewed the formation of society as a reflection of the profound need for human affiliation rather than simply a contractual arrangement between otherwise detached individuals.

FORBES: The Ten Golden Rules on Living the Good Life

According to Greek philosophy, one of the defining characteristics of humanity that distinguishes it from other forms of existence is a deeply engrained social instinct, the need for association and affiliation with others, a need for friendship.

FORBES: The Ten Golden Rules on Living the Good Life

While money can certainly buy a lot of goodies that make us happy, it cannot buy true friendship , the reciprocal attachment that fills the need for affiliation.

FORBES: How Much Happiness Can Money Buy?