I know that in the past it is easy to see human life as a scrabble for food, water and shelter because it is hard for us to have any idea how past generations actually lived although ancient cave paintings should give us an idea that not everything was continuous struggle. As groups of people came together in ever increasing numbers the relative ease increased and in fact it is possible to suppose that advances in societies are directly correlated to the increase in populations.
We should remember that this focus is still with us but softened, and now we can focus upon other aspects of life. In fact anyone who can direct their focus away from these could be considered rich. And maybe we can also suggest that these other aspects are what makes life worth living, as opposed to our simply existing.
That given, it is what we do that enriches our brains that enriches our societies and ourselves. I am sure many of these things are hobbies because most people have exchanged food, water and shelter for scrabbling for money with the same ruthless efficiency to survive as past generations. But it is when we creep to the back of the cave to paint, that is when we reach out and tell people that a thinker was here, a feeling person was here, a human being had been born.