The first day after the apocalypse is over

Picture this. World War three plunges mankind into a hundred years of brutality, famine, mob rule, cruelty, a general hell on Earth. People are stretched to the limits of sanity and most don't make it. But things get better and in a small area things return to normal, pretty much like it is today. And into town one day rides a Mad Max character, scar, squeaky metal knee brace, leather jacket, shot gun, covered in dirt. What is the first thing he does ? All that time when things were down, no food, injured, alone. What did he dream about. He would say, "If this is ever all over I am going to ... ? ". Fall in love and start a family? Kick back with some good friends, eat well, and tell stories around a campfire ? Find a place in the country where things are quiet ? I bet he didn't say " I'm going to find a pointless job and watch bad television every night". Is great hardship the only force that can motivate people to seek great happiness ?