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Are we better off in the 21c compared to 19c?

Are we better off in the 21c compared to 19c?

  • Yes, much better

    Votes: 35 76.1%
  • Yes, slightly better

    Votes: 3 6.5%
  • No change

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • No, slightly worse

    Votes: 1 2.2%
  • No, much worse

    Votes: 5 10.9%
  • I can't make up my mind

    Votes: 1 2.2%
  • Other

    Votes: 1 2.2%

  • Total voters
    46
Farther back into the 20th Century when the middle class was doing better.

Sure, as long as they were white. And if you were a woman, your financial situation was still dominantly dependent on a man. Being independent as a woman was pretty tough right up until the 70's.

It may be true the middle class was more stable, but they were also homogenized, oppressive, exclusionary, and bigoted.
 
Yes, but we've gone backward since the 20th Century.

Not at all. We now have ubiquitous cell phones and internet, stem cell therapies, GMO foods, and other new technological marvels that have already made this world a better place...and we're only 12 years into the new century. We'll soon have self-driving cars, ubiquitous 3D printing, better genetic therapies, efficient solar energy, hydroponic agriculture, sustainable (and healthier) meat production, and the near-eradication of many diseases including malaria.

And if we're defining "we" as "citizens of earth" rather than "citizens of the United States," then we've also made a lot of economic progress since the 20th century. The world is far better off today than it was just 12 years ago by almost any measurement, and we still have a lot to look forward to in the 21st century.
 
I honestly can't even imagine how anyone could ask whether we're better off now or 200 years ago.

Well, now you can. ;)

Material progress does not automatically equal human progress.
 
Well, now you can. ;)

Material progress does not automatically equal human progress.

You're right, but I just rattled off half a dozen ways in which we've made dramatic human progress in the last 200 years. I'm sure there are hundreds.

Society is less violent, more caring, better educated, and more equal than it ever was anywhere in the world 200 years ago.
 
You're right, but I just rattled off half a dozen ways in which we've made dramatic human progress in the last 200 years. I'm sure there are hundreds.

Society is less violent, more caring, better educated, and more equal than it ever was anywhere in the world 200 years ago.

Less violent? Serial killers, mass shootings at schools, texas tower, resturants, you name it. Oh I almost forgot 9-11.
 
Most likely because there was more of the natural world that was "unscathed".
 
Are we better off in the 21-th century compared to 19-th century, what do you think? :)

Ever had your computer/inetnet taken away from you? Well just imagine what it's like without electricity.
 
Yes. Much better in all things... except music, taste in clothes (meh... I guess it has its good and bad) and proper manners and civility.

Other than those things, yes we are much, much better off in most of the other important aspects of life.
So very true, especially the music....and manners....and perhaps workmanship.....erase the perhaps...
Technology is advancing more quickly than civilization.
 
Less violent? Serial killers, mass shootings at schools, texas tower, resturants, you name it. Oh I almost forgot 9-11.
And if one were to see the "big picture", he would say that things are less horrible today than yesterday.
BUT, we need to work on the civilization aspect more and technology less.
 
Usually an idiot. We obviously have different world views though.

Now, don't get me wrong - I like my 180 channel cable TV very much. But it's just a TV.
 
Now, don't get me wrong - I like my 180 channel cable TV very much. But it's just a TV.

I'm not even talking about entertainment...I'm talking about effeciency and productivity. Doing something like handwashing clothes rather than using a washing machine.
 
I'm not even talking about entertainment...I'm talking about effeciency and productivity. Doing something like handwashing clothes rather than using a washing machine.

OK, I see now, you're right.
But may be the Amish just don't want to part in the industrial - environmental degradation process. I respect their choice.
 
OK, I see now, you're right.
But may be the Amish just don't want to part in the industrial - environmental degradation process. I respect their choice.

I respect their choice. They can do whatever they want but at the same time....I can definately judge their decision making abilities!
 
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