The only reason his thought experiment could work was because he bought items in bulk - which requires more initial capital. When you're 'actually poor,' it's

The only reason his thought experiment could work was because he bought items in bulk - which requires more initial capital. When you're 'actually poor,' it's impossible to plan ahead and buy (in absolute terms) more expensive bulkpacks of food. There's a difference between spending $30 / month and $1 / day.