Unfortunately, our sense of prosperity seems to be relative. If 90% of the town has a free house and free food, but the other 10% live in bigger, safer, cleane

Unfortunately, our sense of prosperity seems to be relative. If 90% of the town has a free house and free food, but the other 10% live in bigger, safer, cleaner houses and are eating better testing/healthier food, I don't think the 90% will be as excited. I think most humans strive for the best available rather than being content with the minimum they really need. This probably isn't a great way to find happiness but it is a pretty powerful motivator.