I seem to come back again and again to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of human needs: safety (analagous to survival in the context of this discussion, security, socialization, self-esteem, and self-actualization.
If you live in a primitive country with scarce food supplies, and you're worried about being eaten by other predators while you're out hunting and gathering, you'll have neither the time or energy to attend to any higher order needs.
On the other hand, if you're a member of the lower middle class or above in a developed society with robust social services, plenty of food, and reliable housing, the amount of time and energy demanded of you for simple survival is virtually nil.
In my opinion, the higher you ascend up Maslow's hierarchy, the happier and more fulfilled you're apt to be.
__________________
"I am an agnostic; I do not pretend to know what many ignorant men are sure of."
Clarence Darrow |