When you live without a real safety net, no amount of money is ever enough to guarantee anything whatsoever. Plus decades of doing what you have to do to survive at all and not end up being a victim of such a system powerfully shapes your psychology. It's hard to just put it down one day after your net worth hits $X.

> There are plenty of people in America who continue to chase money long after their safe retirement is assured.

That's probably because, over time, you become what you practice. So, even if you were not obsessed with money and work at 20, you might be at 40, after 20 years of chasing money and success to stave off potential disasters.

As an American I can say that we value human character over wealth. Most true wealthy Americans, those who have more than what they owe and still have a lot left over to to live comfortably are not enamored by money. They are enamored with survival, leaving money behind to their family, and philanthropy. And of course nice experiences (like a good meal and at good restaurant) and a few toys (typically centered around one or two hobbies, way of life). I might be way biased though with my assessment.

> There are plenty of people in America who continue to chase money long after their safe retirement is assured.

I mean take a look at rich (m/b)illionaires. It's a life style they can't give up.