this quote:

where the average American spends $120 per day instead of $3 per day, and can live a life of greater scope and moral depth than under the old daiy necessity of getting food. — from

change the phrase “per day instead of” by adding “only”, as in, “per day instead of ONLY” makes what change in value judgement apparent.

The original assumes that more money is better. The consumer has more to spend. This also presumes that the life is therefor much better. And thereupon rests big differences.