Simply, no. Income distribution is political. The kind of inequalities highlighted in the article were much lower in the past because of political decisions in the even more distant past.
Then they became higher because of more recent political lobbying and manipulation.
Only the most naive misunderstanding of economics ignores these kinds of political factors.
>General quality of life is far better now than it has ever been.
Unless you live in - say - Detroit, where the profligacy and irresponsibility of the financial industry in the run up to 2008 did more damage to the area than a tactical nuclear weapon would have.
Or you're one of the many Americans 'earning' from two jobs and still not being able to pay your bills.