"... I don't know." His reply is just as genuine, just as labored, and just as delayed, clearly having given the subject serious thought before.

"Is it better to make a life out of what you have or to reach for something better? If people become accustomed to a higher or different standard of living then that's what they'll be struggling to meet from then on. It incurs a greater risk, a greater chance of failing and becoming disappointed.

I suppose it's all about how strong someone is and how prepared they are for potential disappointment." What a depressing way to view it.