The miserable consumption of the poor is partly the result of the ostentatious demands of the rich. There isn't enough for both, and the latter get far more than they need...But could anything seriously be done about it?

It is possible that people need to believe they are unmanaged if they are to be managed effectively.

If you're rich you can buy books. If you're poor, you need a library.

That one never need to look beyond the love of money for explanation of human behavior is one of the most jealously guarded simplification of our culture.