I have been thinking about universal aspects of Native American culture and why they are so appealing to me…
It would be nice to be in touch with the earth and your body, family, God. It would be rewarding to have a few tasks that you got progressively better at — tasks assigned based on your skills, wich you were honored for and reaped the benefits of.
I agree with the idea of not being wasteful and using every part of every thing, taking only what you need from the planet. It is, again, an issue of respect — respect for the land and for yourself.
With such a mentality, you could not feel significantly richer or poorer than your peers. You would not be bored or bingeful or depressed. Your life on this planet would be put in perspective. Your few days would be spent in thanksgiving to your creator, fellowship with your peers, and peace.
Take away that system of collaboration, respect and closeness with nature, though, and despite your ideals, you'd likely be where Indian cultures are today, in a limbo stage, celebrating the wisdom of the past, with few modern breakthroughs. It is a scorned system. Pearls tossed before swine and trampled.