Sun, Air and Water
Sun, Air and Water, these elements might play more important role in the success of Mo Ye, no matter how hungry and how poor he was.
We can venture to compare with Confucius and Mao, both of whom were born near water. Mao swims all his life while my grandfather, his schoolmate in lower class did not. Mao practiced three bathes in Normal School as well as in his battle life.
You may add that rural life is his soil for his inspiration but soil needs all above.
That is to say, more expensive things often come in cheapest way.