"What is happiness? The feeling that power is growing, that resistance is overcome." - Nietzsche

People in this universe are less sophisticated, they settle for entertainment, provided by private economy entertainers or recreation centers, money and freedom.

A happy colony attracts more immigrants and scientists, while unhappy people may turn to crime to get their kicks. And since it's a small universe, people talk, telling the world how much they really appreciate your leadership, affecting your alignment.

Should your colony be attacked, if citizens are happy with the way the place is run, more will volunteer for civil defense duty.