This is a contrived example of the "American Dream." You're not truly suffering unless you feel the emotional pains of poverty. The depression from the uncertainties of tomorrow is the real killer.

I'm not surprised that he achieved mediocrity with the confidence of education and safety-net of a credit line and a weathy family. You could do similar by working at McDonalds. This sort of thing is possible in many Western countries. Infact, you are probably better off in a welfare state than in America if great wealth does not interest you.