[milesvp]

I very much agree with this sentiment. Now has always been special, and history always repeats itself. I can't believe that current diversions and pain killers are so good, that if basic needs in the Maslow's sense of the word, food/clothing/shelter, didn't suddenly come in short supply, there wouldn't be legions who would turn up very organized.

A friend once told me that the main difference between old money and new money in the US was old money seemed to have an understanding that they had to give back to the unprivileged. I don't have much experience with either so I don't know how true it is, but it would make a lot of sense for families that have managed to hold onto wealth through peasant revolts would have a healthy respect for preventing the conditions for them.