Yes....that thought did cross my mind as I was writing that.To be fair, there is a lot of money in that second sentence if done to the proper horse.
Far worse but I wasn't alive back then so my opinion has no value.
The following is just my opinion and is partially factual due to failing memory:
Way back in prehistoric times (the 1960s/70s) people (on average) had less money, they lived in smaller houses and got most of their entertainment from reading books, watching TVs with B/W (sometimes color) picture tubes and spending time outside. One would think that without computers and the Internet in every home things would have been worse for society as a whole. As I age I look back with fond memories of those times. We had little money, lived in a tiny house and drove old, used cars ... but we seemed to be happier than we are today. Technology is wonderful but can cause us, our families and society to become detached from one another.
Back then, we didn't have to worry about many of the problems plaguing society today. As a kid, you could walk to school and back and you felt safe ... our parents would even let us go out at night and play hide/go seek in the dark without worry. Crime and societal problems have always existed but things just seem so much better back then. Perhaps I am romanticizing about the past ... but I doubt it.
With the fiscal problems that this country is going to have to (soon) face ... I see things getting worse.
Let's see...
You're talking about a period in human history which many scientists consider to be the tipping point for humanity, due to overpollution, overconsumption, and flagrant disregard for the environment. We're expected to see a series of major ecological disasters, including massive famine, within our lifetime, and a decline in the quality of life for all, but the rich and powerful.
Major technological innovations have led to miracle cures and has revolutionized the way we see and interact with the world, but it has also made it that much easier for the police state and corporations to monitor and regulate our ways of life.
Due to the effects of globalization and increased concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, we're seeing massive uprooting of communities and destruction of family values, which leads to even more people seeking comfort in material wealth, and incidents like the bus monitor, which shows how increasingly we're changing into a selfish society, with little or no regard for human life other than those close to us, or those we consider as worthy. It is no wonder we're seeing the rise of radical groups all over the world, such as the neo-Nazis in the recent Greece election, since desperate people have nowhere else to turn to when the social systems that are supposed to protect them have betrayed them.
Now, I am not gullible enough to say that none of this didn't exist 40 years ago, but I think most would agree that it has gotten worse, than it has gotten better. We had government scandals even back then, but was it as bad as today, when the whole government is awash in corporate "bribery", and even the most basic constitutional rights are being taken away with barely any opposition? For instance, the Obama administration is still trying to take away your right not to be held indefinitely without trial by the military, but do news agencies even report it anymore? Do Americans even care anymore, as long as they have their latest IPad and other so-called modern index of happiness and success?
I still think its better now. People live longer. There is less racism or persecution of gay people. 40 years ago I'd probably be much more likely to be called a beloved patriot or something. And for the tech field that I work in the advancements have opened up a lot and the field is much more accessible.
Life generally is easier now given productivity increases. I am not waiting days etc for telegrams etc. Maybe some people were happier back then but I think my life would have been much worse. 40 years ago was just around the oil crisis and post Vietnam recession too.
Much worse. Technology has pretty much destroyed the normal way people socialize. In terms of face to face communication, its usually 3 categories. 1. significant other, you'd go crazy without one. 2. people at work, shootin the bullshit, can't be yourself. 3. drunk
Then there is the economy, which is essentially a slow motion train wreck with an unavoidable outcome. I noticed waayyyy back in 2004 that we had the longest period of economic growth, and I thought to myself that we're going to have the longest period ever of economic depression (renamed recession apparently.)
I actually think we are in the middle of double dipping right now. The only people I know who are getting jobs personally are making exceptional sacrifices like moving across the country etc.
Gotta do what you gotta do, but people act like things are all rosy right now. They're just setting themselves up to have the rug pulled from under them.
Much worse. Technology has pretty much destroyed the normal way people socialize. In terms of face to face communication, its usually 3 categories. 1. significant other, you'd go crazy without one. 2. people at work, shootin the bullshit, can't be yourself. 3. drunk
Due to the effects of globalization and increased concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, we're seeing massive uprooting of communities and destruction of family values, which leads to even more people seeking comfort in material wealth, and incidents like the bus monitor, which shows how increasingly we're changing into a selfish society, with little or no regard for human life other than those close to us, or those we consider as worthy.
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Now, I am not gullible enough to say that none of this didn't exist 40 years ago, but I think most would agree that it has gotten worse, than it has gotten better.