The Triumph of Hope over Self- intrest

I read the Triumph of hope over self- interest written by David Brooks, it was in our text. In reading the article it is all based on social classes. There is a very distinct theme social classes. It is funny how it says most of us are not poor "just pre-rich". What was most interesting was that most people are more offended not being in the same social class rather than inequality of income. So in having the elite rich we don't envy their big bank account as much as we do their social class and privileges. The article also goes on to say if a person suddenly become "rich" if that person "stays real" we admire them. The social class your in is determined at birth. No one gets to chose what class they are born into. Tax debates fair into this subject, for it is the elite rich who are "getting" the tax breaks. We live in a "culture of abundance" , which leads to debt to keep up with the Jones. Maybe that is partly what has lead to the economic slup we are in.