What does 'more than merely' mean and what does 'in many ways' refer to?
Having a job is MORE THAN MERELY providing yourself and your dependants with daily bread and some money for leisure and entertainment, It sets a pattern of life and, IN MANY WAYS, determines social status in life, selection of friends, leisure and interest.
Does 'more than merely' means 'not noly'? Does 'in many ways' refer to 'in life, selection of friends, leisure and interest'? Thank you.