[ninalanyon]

Austerity is not the same a misery. In some ways I live an austere life but I am happy. Misery comes from poverty not self imposed austerity; the first is often imposed by the outside world whereas your father's and my austerity are, as you say, self imposed and under our own control.

[chefandy]

You’re making arbitrary definitions for those words. Austerity can absolutely lead to misery and some of the happiest times in my life have been some of the most impoverished.

[ninalanyon]

> Austerity can absolutely lead to misery

I didn't say that it couldn't, merely that it doesn't necessarily do so.

[EVa5I7bHFq9mnYK]

Austerity often comes naturally with age, just because spending money requires effort and energy older people don't have.