Seems like a false idealization. When people are poor enough they will welcome a box of used clothes with quite a bit of enthusiasm, and this: The young man ha

Seems like a false idealization. When people are poor enough they will welcome a box of used clothes with quite a bit of enthusiasm, and this: The young man had taken each one out, reverently, and wrapped them in plastic. "But," we say, "these books were sent to be read, surely?" "No," he replies, "they will get dirty, and where will I get any more?" ...tends to suggest a respect for hard assets more than for readin' and writin'.