this is entertaining but, I think the relative-riches-rat-race theory here is missing the harsh "stick" part of carrot and stick. Money systems have both. Many wealthy people have debt and cash flow pressures, sometimes badly. The casinos and rehab clinics are full of those who lost touch with emotional stability during the race.

The sort of stable accumulation described is typical for a very small number of people overall, from low income to higher incomes, in my experience. Life is complicated.