Personally, and I think I've said it before, I believe the primary cause of poverty is substance abuse sustained over generations. I believe that the synaptic networks that make up the minds of children are imprinted (created) by the networks of the parents minds. If those networks are chemically altered, the imprinted network is flawed. This is compounded by an already flawed source in the form of a parent who was imprinted by an inebriated parent.

The perverse consequences of molesters raising molesters works the same way.

Anyway, this imprinting not only is confusing, it is also an addiction that needs to be fed. It is difficult to isolate since each mind has its own configuration, making the resulting effect quasi-random. It is by this means that culture is transferred. Culture appears to be the greatest collective predicator of success. If the culture is that of drunken stupor, then the individual will be most successful at achieving a drunken stupor.

I've grown up through intense poverty. I've observed the poor through much of my life. The single most common denominator is generational substance abuse. Sadly, I'm not sure there can be a solution. The best bet is, in my opinion, cultural shame. If it is a shameful thing to be inebriated in the presence of children then fewer people will do it. The worst thing for the poor is a permissive society.

Joel.


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