What makes the culture more developed?

In Tuesdays With Morrie, we learn that Morrie had developed his own culture. He loved discussion groups, walks with his friends, dancing to music, reading, and writing. He loved to look at nature, not watch sitcoms on television. Mitch had also developed a culture or work, juggling multiple freelance jobs, along with his newspaper job. Seeing reporters chasing down celebrities reminded him of Morrie's saying that people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important.