Prosperity is a concept that is used in economics in strange ways. It seems to be implied to be something more than economic activity, but then the measure of it is then restricted to economic activity. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosperity “Economic growth is often seen as essential for economic prosperity…”

I think there is a better way to think about it.

Simplicity comes in two basic flavours. Voluntary simplicity allows the individual to decide what to do without. A student may decide to not eat well in exchange for going out for a night on the town. Mandatory simplicity allows the individual no real choice about what to do without – it is poverty. Ultimately, the money in the pocket may be used for booze instead of food, but there is an implication of a lack of real choice.

I think that choice is the distinction. The student can choose to do without food, because she is otherwise well fed. He could choose to spend his dinner money on beer, because there is (or will be) other money available. There is a confidence that the ‘cost’ can be borne without serious impact on the self. Meeting that want won’t prevent a perceived need in the future from being met. And that’s why a student lifestyle is not poverty – in a state of poverty, there is a real risk at all times that meeting a want will prevent a perceived need from being met.  Even if there isn’t a state of depravation, there will be a stress created by wondering if rent will be available, or what food will be on the table, etc.

Prosperity would therefore be the confidence that the time, effort, and cash spent to meet a want would not prevent one from having sufficient time, effort, and cash to meet one’s perceived needs.  And I would suggest that Prosperity is a Need.  We all need the confidence that we’re going to be OK tomorrow to prevent a degradation of the self, family, or community.