I personally see numbers as nothing more than numbers. As someone who has visited the U.S., I see a large amount of individuals with poor priorities. I see people buying microwaveable meals that do not adequately maintain a proper level of nutrition (look at the U.S. obesity rates), yet own a 27 inch television set and pay 50 dollars a month for cable television. I see others who will spend 4-5 dollars a day on cigarettes rather than a simple 40 dollar fee to be a part of a health club. I see individuals who own two acres of land and litter it with lawn ornaments, broken cars, above ground pools, and a swingset for the children, but won’t set aside a 200x200 foot plot of land to grow enough vegetables to feed their family for at least two full months (for a four member family) (agricultural statistic… it would only cost 30 dollars a month to maintain, which is much less than what these people pay for microwave pizzas, 12 packs of cola, cases of beer, and the average gallon of milk every two days).
I see the U.S. as the first civilization to be able to afford and sustain a healthy way of life, yet because of the capitalist philosophies that earned this distinction, they are unable to do so because they are at the throws of consumerism.
The one thing I noted when I visited Europe was two things. Don’t have nearly as many clothes as Americans and don’t watch nearly as much television. I think Europeans have figured out that one only needs so many pairs of shoes and so many “chemises” or “pantalons” to make it. Plus, television is often wasted time when one can be learning a new trade, or maintaining the efficiency, thus lowering the necessary the amount of possessions necessary.
I realize I am making easily refutable generalizations, but I hardly believe that Europeans standard of living is lower. Plus, I am under the impression they have a higher population density than the U.S., which would account for the amount of land each individual owns.
Oh, it might also be worthy to note that I am a Taoist who aims for a fairly minimalist lifestyle. In my opinion, you can sustain a very healthy life on a very small income if you buy only staple foods, raw vegetables, eat only what is necessary (not until you’re full, the most common misconception in nutrition), read books instead of watch television (library cards are free), exercize regularly (a nice set of dumbells cost less than $100, running is free excluding $40 every four months for running shoes), and live in a respectable 2-3 bedroom apartment (where I live, fully renovated apartments are available for around $500 a month, which is only $6000 a year). As far as communication, phone lines are around about 27 a month, I am using the same computer I owned four years ago, and it still allows me to visit any internet site, use AIM, e-mail, word process, use Excell. Transportation, bicycle (rarely use my vehicle), only cost me $250 and I’ve been using it for two years (new tires and chain are the only upgrades I’ve needed). I do not live under the poverty line, but I do not live far above it, as I work in a coffee shop 35 hours a week, but I have never been in debt, and I’ve always been able to take a week and a half vacation to Europe every three to four months. I do understand that this is much more difficult for others since I am living alone (no wife/kids), but that is a small price to pay for a comfortable existence and living debt free. Oh, I forgot to mention, by staying in shape, I rarely have to buy new clothes (bought a suit two months ago, that was the last I can remember), and I haven’t had to visit a doctor in at least a year since most of my illnesses have been taken care of through heavy fluid intake, rest, and a week’s worth of Tylenol.
) i can see the differences.
We can actually fit more than 1 person in our homes. 
) be sure it is not the case in France ! In France, if they have their own house, they would not be called “poor” !