1. Recent research challenges decades of belief about money and happiness. While past studies claimed wealth weakly affects happiness in rich nations, new findings prove income comparison powerfully shapes joy. The key is "relative wealth" — feeling richer than others brings more happiness than high income or education alone.

Researchers analyzed 357 global surveys covering 2.3 million people. Participants ranked themselves on a 10-level "status ladder (地位等级)" comparing their position to society. Results revealed social comparison drives over 70% of money's impact on happiness — far outweighing actual resources. "Money gains power when measured against others," explains lead researcher Dr. Lee.

The researchers also found that the effect of social comparison was stronger in countries, such as Singapore. Resource competition forces constant social evaluation. Yet upward comparisons often backfire. As Mark Twain observed, "Comparison is the death of joy." Having just a little more money than your parents doesn't bring much satisfaction, because nowadays the neighbors are clearly much wealthier.

Critically, economic growth sometimes fails to improve national happiness. Why? The study suggests unequal progress makes many feel left behind despite personal gains. True well-being requires advancing both personally and relatively within society's position ladder. Lawmakers thus must balance wealth creation with fair competition policies.

1. （1） How does the study measure "relative wealth"?

   A . By measuring education levels. B . By using a 10-level status ladder. C . By researching job satisfaction forms. D . By analyzing spending habits.
3. （2） Why does the author mention Mark Twain's words?

   A . To criticize social comparison. B . To claim historical wisdom is outdated. C . To emphasize Singapore's uniqueness. D . To indicate money's declining importance.
5. （3） What can be inferred about traditional economic policies?

   A . They overvalue absolute income growth. B . They effectively use social comparison. C . They prioritize education over wealth. D . They ignore resource competition.
7. （4） What can be a suitable title for the text?

   A . Absolute Wealth: Real Path to Happiness B . Why Money Fails to Buy Joy in Modern Society C . The Hidden Power of Relative Wealth Comparison D . Education vs. Income: New Research Findings