Very interesting and alarming perspective, CA Renter, and another aspect that could, but, hopefully, will never come to pass. I’m fully aware of that potential scenario–having family members who participated in WWII–and that would be dire, indeed.

I also agree that wealth need not be equated with happiness, but, when it comes to survival, which, I believe this discussion is primarily about, wealth can be very helpful in providing the necessities all of us will require throughout our lives, and, especially as we get older. Personally, I’d rather have too much saved for retirement, and not need it, than the other way around.

To each his or her own, but I’d just rather be safe than sorry–when it comes to taking care of myself and my family–for as long as we all last.