one would be the lack of opportunity to improve ones situation by self-improvement. It's not a matter of opportunity, it's a matter of choice. Time and again

one would be the lack of opportunity to improve ones situation by self-improvement. It's not a matter of opportunity, it's a matter of choice. Time and again I've watched those with opportunity squander it, while others lacking opportunity fight to get it (and got it). I've had a 4AM bus driver take my evening C++ class, passing despite often dozing off therein, finding funding despite not having the steep tuition. I've known a chronically bedridden invalid who managed to run a profitable, um, pharmaceutical service from his gurney. I've worked multiple jobs and still learned new skills, even getting hired despite not having the core skill and learning it sink-or-swim. I've watched kids destroy windows while I was fixing their couch. I've seen eminently capable students with amazing affinity to programming fail a beginning C++ course for lack of effort, not understanding. Opportunity IS there; taking it or making it is up to the individual. Instances of true "poor for lack of opportunity" are exceedingly rare. They have my sympathy and aid; I'm frustrated by the vast numbers who insist they are and in truth aren't.