Wisdom is that thing which arrives just after you need it. I honestly think social safety nets are a factor here. You swim harder when there's a shark behind you. You work harder when there's a chance of starving behind a dumpster. Today, the worst possible outcome is having to stand in the queue at Centrelink for a while.
For sure. Though, them not being "social" is also a problem. At one point, being on centerlink was a shame, now it is another entitlement, not a support. What you are hungry for, matters.