When I was a kid we had no access to a car, quality food or enough money for over the counter medication (acne, mild infections, etc.). Luckily we live in Canada where we can get prescribed medication for free, so none of us died of dangerous infections or anything like that.
We only managed to grow healthy and avoid criminality because our mother is a saint of a woman who sacrificed her adult life to give us a chance for something better.
I really doubt the lack of wealth gave us any comfort and that gaining wealth created any discomfort.
I sincerely have no idea how this answers the question. I think you either misunderstood me and the whole thread or have accidentally replied to someone else. I'm European, we have wealth here as well.
Or maybe I am the one misunderstanding, in which case - you can be sure I am a supporter of social safety net.
However as someone experienced not only with the excellent public healthcare system in the north of Europe or in Germany, but with the more average ones in the union as well, IMO you should look at Switzerland more than at the EU. You talk of the EU system as if it is awesome everywhere - it's not. Answer for yourself - are your local governments as efficient, robust and not corrupt as the German is?