According to Maslow's need hierarchy, you have to satisfy the lowest tier of the hierarchy first before you are motivated to accomplish the higher tiers. These tiers, starting from the lowest, are physiological needs (food, shelter,etc.), safety needs, belongingness and love needs (relationships, friends and family), esteem needs (accomplishments) and self-actualization (reaching full potential). This is problematic for Vincent because he hasn't satisfied the lower 2 tiers yet.