Author is trying to advocate that people think of themselves as victims in the world, where things simply happen to them. Wages are stagnant, inflation happens,

Author is trying to advocate that people think of themselves as victims in the world, where things simply happen to them. Wages are stagnant, inflation happens, etc. Some of this may be true. But regardless, I'll attempt to save money as I can, rather than throw my hands up and say none of this matters and piss it all away on coffee.