Are the commas optional?

The comma between "health" and "wealth" is necessary. You can also introduce another comma between "wealth" and "and happiness", although it is a disputed subject whether that is correct or not (you can read about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_comma).
About the other commas, the ones after a

The first two are optional. and in my opinion just add clutter to the sentence.

The third one is required.

MrGuedes I think you can remove them, if you will, but I would personally suggest that you would keep them.

You have a comma between 'them' and 'if', but isn't that wrong? And I thought you can't have modal verbs in if-clauses...

MrGuedesI think you can remove them, if you will, but I would personally suggest that you would keep them.

AnonymousYou have a comma between 'them' and 'if', but isn't that wrong? And I thought you can't have modal verbs in if-clauses...

Hmm... Now that you've brought that up, I think I learnt that you generally don't use a

CliveThe first two are optional. and in my opinion just add clutter to the sentence.The third one is required.

Thanks, Clive.

My doubt was on the first two commas.

MrGuedesAnd I think you can have modal verbs in if-clauses.

Yep, you are right! It just sounded weird to my ears.

CliveThe first two are optional. and in my opinion just add clutter to the sentence.

So often the case. I believe there are other, traditional commas that are beginning to disappear.
[ He has lived in Washington, D.C. (former comma) for fifteen years. ]

PhilipSo often the case. I believe there are other, traditional commas that are beginning to disappear.[ He has lived in Washington, D.C. (former comma) for fifteen years. ]

But, in that case, shouldn't there be a comma? "D.C." only specifies the "Washington" you're talking about, like an appositive clause. There should be commas surrounding appositive clauses

MrGuedesThere should be commas surrounding appositive clauses, shouldn't there?

This is an example of the "clutter" someone else in this thread mentioned: technically correct but "in the way". I always try to think of punctuation, especially commas, as important to meaning rather than following a rule imposed a century or so ago.

PhilipThis is an example of the "clutter" someone else in this thread mentioned: technically correct but "in the way". I always try to think of punctuation, especially commas, as important to meaning rather than following a rule imposed a century or so ago.

I like to write "by the book". The absence or overinsertion of commas generally doesn't have an influenc