Originally Posted by Amputate Your Head

It is an accepted measurement of contentment that appeals to the middle class on up. The poor tend not to care about material shit so much. This measurement dictates that we, as individuals and as a society, cannot know if we are "fortunate" or not until we measure up against those around us. For example, you might have a 6 bedroom starter mansion and think you're doing okay, but if 6 bd homes are the lowest level of housing, and everyone else is living large in full 30 room mansions.... then obviously you suck and need to apply yourself more. But you'd never know that until you measure up to those around you.

Ignorance is not bliss.... it's just ignorant.

This is the "Keeping Up With The Jones'" rule. And to play, you must measure. It defines your very being.