"Thrive" is amazing must watch!

[Tenet Nosce]

It certainly is a complex issue. I wouldn't call America's poor, rich.

In consideration that the average per capita yearly income of developing nations is $846, I would say yes, America's poor are rich by global standards. An American on welfare makes approximately six times this amount to sit around and watch Dr. Oz and Oprah.

When you are in a place of no hope, you squander for pleasure in small doses.

This gets back to the ignorance issue. Hopelessness is a state of ignorance, as well as squandering resources and pleasure-seeking.

There's no doubt that the third world faces different issues than the developed world, but we have to be careful not to induce separation.

Agreed. Though pointing out differences need not induce separation. This discussion is referring back to the distinction being drawn in America between the "haves" and "have-nots". I seek only to point out that, by global standards, the vast majority of Americans are actually the "haves".

I will press that Americans dividing themselves between the "haves" and "have-nots" must look pretty ridiculous to the 3.5 billion people who live on less than $2.50 a day.

You're devaluing the conditions and stress placed on the minds of the poor in general, as if the 'developed' poor are "not poor enough".

No, I am actually making the opposite point. The 'undeveloped' poor are 'too poor' for me to place the concerns of an American who got a 120% mortgage on a home they couldn't afford in the first place at the top of my priority list. At least they had a home for a while.

"Conditions and stress" become valuable when they are used to induce change in one's awareness and behavior. If they fail to do so, the "conditions and stress" keep getting amplified until they serve their purpose, or the recipient croaks. This is what Ra refers to as "catalyst".

Personally speaking, I have spent the majority of my adult life at an income below the poverty threshold in America. Yet I still managed to feed, clothe, and house myself. Pay all my bills, including my debt obligations. And even take a few extended trips outside of the country.

Last year, we made six figures. But still our total monthly expenses (including running two businesses) are less than $2000 a month for two people. This is how living in "poverty" can be used creatively to improve one's lot in life.