Interesting viewpoint. I believe one cannot be considered successful if they are not happy, success is not a cure for life problems, neither is curing all life problems an achievable goal.

The meaning of success is very subjective to each individual, and happiness is a result of achieving it.

Does achieving financial independence make one successful? Not, if it doesn’t make them happy.

Does making a million followers make one successful? Not, if it doesn’t make them happy.

Success does not equate to happiness, but (I believe) is inseparably linked to it.