[mykowebhn]

From what I understand, prior to the 1980s/90s lamplighters, waiters, factory workers, etc. could live comfortable lives on decent wages.

These days not so much.

[christophilus]

From what I understand, life was Dickensian hell for many people. Communism wouldn’t have had much of a chance if everyone was pretty much able to live a decent life as a lamp lighter.