[aaronchall]

We all make decisions based on what we think we need and the reality of our situations.

I feel badly for people who don't think about the second-order effects of their decisions, though. If one chooses to only do enough to get by starting at a young age, they'll still be waiting tables (or some equivalent) in their 60's, one paycheck away from disaster.

On the other hand, working more than you need has compounding effects. Ben Franklin got about his business with a hand-cart early in the morning in his 20s and 30s and was in shape to retire in his 40s - and could indulge in public service, invention, scientific experimentation, and exploration to his hearts desire after that.

We can't all be Ben Franklins, though I think more of us could do so with better decision making.