The problem embedded in the foundations of the deep contrasts that offend our
sensibilities is that the needs of the underprivileged are human needs and not the
economic ones we suffer from in developed countries since they lack our economic
solvency.The process of economic development in their societies has not yet reached
that levels of excess production that allow the expansion of theWelfare State. This
was also the reality in today’s post-industrial countries 200 years ago. Then most
of the people lived on the edge of subsistence, whereas hereditary aristocrats lived
in relative opulence as owners of the most precious productive good: land.