Do you think self discipline is inherent or learned? If it's inherent, then you can't fault an individual without it.

If it's learned, how does one acquire it? It seems like programs like this are the "Gen Y" approach to learning self discipline.

Perhaps the baby-boomers learned it from their families, whereas Gen Y did not. Which (if anything) speaks volumes about the parenting quality of your generation ;)

I looked at your last half dozen comments. Your challenge, should you choose to accept it: How many days can you go without making a snarky or negative comment on HN?

  In his twenties he set out to improve himself very systematically.
  He first ascertained the qualities that he found most important to
  cultivate, including Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality,
  Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility,
  Chastity and Humility. He then devised a simple daily record and chose one
  of these virtues each week to focus upon. His record contained a matrix
  with a list of the virtues he wished to perfect in his life down the left
  side and across the top a list of the days of the week. He would then mark
  a dot or check in each box when he failed to meet his own expectation for
  the virtue he was seeking to practice that day. His goal was to have a
  week free of all marks showing success.