It is argued that although Babbitt flaunted his social status, he contributed little to the benefit of society. "Babbitt was now forty-six years old, in April 1920, and he did nothing in particular, no butter, no shoes, no poetry, but he was nimble in the business of selling houses for more than people could afford to pay. » 2). He was proud of his social status, until he was snubbed by his more successful acquaintances, the McKelveys. He then questions his life and his beliefs, because by comparing himself to his "best", he wonders if he is really as happy or content as he lets others believe. So when his once-successful friend Paul has an affair and later murders his wife, Babbitt sees it as the ultimate proof that success without satisfaction is meaningless. However, rather than seeking true happiness, Babbitt begins to seek satisfaction in temporal pleasures. He abandons his professional code of ethics and has an affair, and trades his conservative beliefs in favor of a more liberal mindset. As a result, Babbitt alienates most of his friends and his reputation declines. However, Babbitt changes his perspective after the fall of his wife Myra.