What Money Can’t Buy

From Affluenza author David Wann: Break free from burnout and redefine wealth—discover a richer, more meaningful life beyond money, status, and stuff.

We’re working harder than ever, yet feeling poorer where it counts most. Americans spend nearly 100,000 hours chasing financial security—only to discover that money stops buying happiness surprisingly early. Meanwhile, loneliness, burnout, and anxiety are at historic highs. What if the problem isn’t that we don’t have enough—but that we’re measuring the wrong kind of wealth?

In this eye-opening book, David Wann challenges our culture’s narrow definition of success and offers a radical, hopeful alternative. Drawing on three decades living in a cooperative neighborhood he helped create, conversations with people opting out of high-status careers, and insights from visionary changemakers, Wann reveals a richer way to live—one grounded in values that can’t crash, inflate, or disappear.

He introduces 7 sources of true wealth that deliver lasting security, meaning, and joy:

• Self-knowledge: Knowing who you are so your choices come from purpose instead of pressure or status.
• Community: The wealth of trusted human connection, especially in neighborhoods, workplaces, and shared communities.
• Nature: A sense of connection to the natural world as a source of long-term regeneration for both people and ecosystems.
• Health: True health as inner and outer balance, including physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
• Creativity: The ability to make, imagine, reshape, and respond to life actively.
• Passion: The energizing pull of interests, hobbies, and pursuits that give life meaning, momentum, and joy.
• Time: Creating space for what matters most.

Blending personal stories with big-picture thinking, Wann connects individual transformation to cultural change—pointing toward regenerative economics and new ways of measuring progress beyond GDP. This is a compelling invitation to reclaim what actually matters—and discover that the best things in life aren’t things at all.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs