Poverty is defined as the inability to afford basic human needs like food, water, shelter, and clothing. Absolute poverty refers to a severe lack of basic needs, while relative poverty means having an income below a certain level. For most of history, poverty was seen as inevitable, but the industrial revolution increased wealth through mass production and modern farming techniques provided enough food to support more people. Some people practice asceticism and live in economic poverty voluntarily to achieve spiritual wealth. The document also provides statistics about the number of people who live in conditions of extreme poverty, lack access to clean water, food, medicines, and are homeless.