Where are you from?

[SuperRetroTurbo]

VAMatt said:

SuperRetroTurbo said:
America, in my honest and humble opinion, is for the rich. If you want a peaceful life, it's going to cost you...but I'm not sure other places can claim otherwise.

I think I agree with your underlying point.  American culture places a higher than average value on financial success, where success means increasing your net worth.  So, this leads a lot of people to devote more time than they otherwise might to making money, furthering their career, and other things along that line.  On the flip side, if you are not motivated to chase dollars, a significant portion of the population may view you in a less favorable light.  This, in turn, can lead to self esteem issues, difficulty finding a mate, and other things like that.

On the other hand, that drive for financial success has done a lot to push humankind forward. We live a very good life in the United States in many respects, and much of the rest of the world is also seeing the benefit of Americans moving things forward.  So, it's a double-edged sword.

Back to your point, I agree that life here can be tough on people that either don't have the drive or don't have the ability to make a lot of money.  And that's unfortunate.

And, yeah, I think much of the "developed" world is the same way, though often times to a lesser degree.

I would never deny anyone's drive in life. Especially considering the sheer amount of those who don't contribute back into the system. Capitalism, in my mind, should be the standard for any economy. 

We take so much for granted. Even money, ironically and we don't generally speak on how money and the drive for it, has drastically altered human kinds genetic make-up. 

I was fortunate to come from the dirt before becoming relatively successful. I lived in a beautiful home that dwarfed the apartment complex I once occupied and I can tell you this.

Money. Does. Not. Buy. Happiness.

I'm trying not to stray around here but you got my wires connected. I'm very curious of the posts in this thread.

I'd like to believe there are places where people aren't so critical of a persons assets and more concerned with the persons genuine intent for those around them.