| > Again though, feel free to list the stuff we've lost. The first thing that comes to mind is dependence on other people. Modern life has made it possible for the average person after a certain age to live without meaningful interaction with others. In the same vein one’s ability to choose one’s company has been greatly increased, which leads to superficial relationships and the isolation of those that no one chooses to be with. > This paints a powerful case for humanity also being psychologically and emotionally better off, on average, than at any older time in history This is not at all obvious for the reasons listed above, after a certain point material abundance does not cause psychological well-being. I’d argue that point was well within the reach of most of our ancestors, since we have had happy ancestors of modest socioeconomic status. > Whatever you might think of Steven Pinker, the guy's fundamental argument is broadly true The only broadly true statement that can be made about this topic is that modern life is generally incomparable how it was historically. I find that the sentiment underlying these arguments is usually masturbatory in nature. |
I have been trying to find a news interview for years. It was on Fox news just before Christmas about 15 years back, they had someone from an anti-consumption group. Needless to say, the interviewer did not take kindly to the position they had "It's un american to not buy Christmas presents!". But the last point the interviewee made as they played the music over them was something along the lines of "Consumption is three times high per capita than the 1950's and we are no happier because of it!".
Fair point to be made.
> I’d argue that point was well within the reach of most of our ancestors, since we have had happy ancestors of modest socioeconomic status.
While they aren't the only ones, folks like the Jainists, Taoists, all manner of Buddhists, Hindu's have lead very happy lives living on a tiny fraction of the material needs that we have. Not saying they didn't appreciate some of the new things but it isn't a case of living in squalor for millennia.