I think there's a big problem with the word 'happy'. It's very transient. Contentment is perhaps more useful? Or satisfaction.

Have you done Maslow's heirachy of needs? Many are lucky if they get everything on the bottom row. Some are satisfied.

One of the problems in 1984 is when you know that others are deliberately keeping you down. That adds in a layer of pain. Perceived loss.

comparison. Do you know about the experiment where they gave treats to 2 primates in neighboring cages. One got more. The other didn't want his treat as he got less.