Is this as good as it gets?

[norm]

Is modern living really the pinnacle of human endeavour? Do you ever question what direction we are all heading? Working longer into life, paid comparatively less than previous generations, greater expectation to succeed even though there are far more competing for the same jobs.

I used to think near the end of the 20th century peoples attitudes were more progressive and optimistic, we'd seen a stark change/improvement in living standards in little under a 100 years. But the 21st century so far has been languished by terrorism, a financial crisis, and a growing reliance/obsession on technology, but it's not actually advancing to the same degree, and any miraculous breakthroughs will likely be kept for the preserve of the growing class of wealthy super-elites.

Is it really the case the baby-boomers may have seen the best of life? The experiences and opportunities afforded to them will likely not be repeated again for a long time coming, witnessing the birth of space exploration, man landing on the moon, supersonic passenger flight, an era of optimism.

For now we seem to be stuck in the status-quo in an endless pursuit of a capitalist's dream.

 

[Efour]

no change it if you dont like it.

 

[Rroff]

Unless/until there is a global shift in human nature and perception of us as a species this is as good as it gets.

 

[BDEE]

Yep, pretty much hit the nail on the head OP.

 

[V F]

On top of that, we get to witness AI and automation replacing us in a way which has never been seen before. If we're lucky, a universal basic income will save us...

I don't think it will save us. I think there are problems unforeseen.

 

[Ayahuasca]

Life is pretty good, just 70 odd years ago I'd likely have been somewhere in France not knowing whether I'd live another day.

 

[almoststew1990]

I'm pretty sure there is a bit in the Matrix (I've only seen it once a long time ago) where trench coat dude says that the Matrix is based on the year 2000 as it was the pinnacle of (western) human civilization. Fast enough PC (just about), the internet, mobile phones, planes, cars all existed but without the carp stemming from the recession and social media bullocks. Maybe he was right!

Although the medical advances and scientific achievements since then have been nice.

 

[swillsy]

no change it if you dont like it.

This - how about you get more involved in the technology that is taking over, if its an issue?

 

[Trusty]

Enjoy

PS...he's an atheist, please don't think it's your run of the mill biblical jargon.

 

[G-MAN2004]

Probably. It's all downhill from here.

 

[kayomani]

We can't see past consumerism as a civilization and that will eventually be our downfall when the earth can no longer provide what we need.

Unfortunately I don't think the majority of people on this planet are capable of looking beyond what we have now so we are going to fall into the issues that things such as automation present where the need for labour is far less than what we have, there are only so many jobs we can make up that don't add any real value and that is only the tip of the iceberg.

 

[CREATIVE!11]

Dunno,

I myself have had many existential crises I often sit and wonder what is it all for anyway, especially when it comes to mindless captalism. I think sometimes you have to restructure your life though, a shake up can be good to break away from the routine.

 

[~>Dg<~]

if you think about the human race and what we do cant remember what film it is but we are a disease .we destroy ourselves and obviously in times to come things will become harder and deescalate.there is more and more of us everyday.we increase beyond our means of this planet. so there is only one way it can go.unless we move to other planets.

a apocalyptic event will happen at some point many will perish and a natural balance will happen.how long that will take to recover if it does recover is anyone's guess.lol.

 

[Vern1961]

Actually, "civilisation" peaked in the late 70's, early 80's. What we have now is the self(ie)ish generation, glued to their mobile phones or gadgets. Greedy corporations/organisations overcharging for services, essential or otherwise. Plastic cars, plastic trains, plastic soulless aircraft. We did our research out of books at the library, not "skewed" Op-Ed's on internet web sites. You could get a GP appointment the same day, you could get a NHS dentist without jumping through hoops. Pron meant pulling up your collar and furtively visiting the "marital aids" store... (or visiting shady, smoky basement cinemas in Soho).

Even my missus, who is several years younger than me, agrees the 80's were altogether happier times.

 

[KingOfTheDaves]

Humanity peaks when we all get jetpacks

 

[Rroff]

Actually, "civilisation" peaked in the late 70's, early 80's. What we have now is the self(ie)ish generation, glued to their mobile phones or gadgets. Greedy corporations/organisations overcharging for services, essential or otherwise. Plastic cars, plastic trains, plastic soulless aircraft. We did our research out of books at the library, not "skewed" Op-Ed's on internet web sites. You could get a GP appointment the same day, you could get a NHS dentist without jumping through hoops. Pron meant pulling up your collar and furtively visiting the "marital aids" store... (or visiting shady, smoky basement cinemas in Soho).

Even my missus, who is several years younger than me, agrees the 80's were altogether happier times.

Yet that world you speak of was making itself rich off the backs of others far less fortunate.

 

[Caged]

And ultimately was never sustainable

 

[regulus]

Dunno,

I myself have had many existential crises I often sit and wonder what is it all for anyway, especially when it comes to mindless captalism. I think sometimes you have to restructure your life though, a shake up can be good to break away from the routine.

It's actually much easier than you think. Constant consumption of worthless rubbish that adds nothing to your life is a mindset that anyone can unlearn.

 

[V F]

if you think about the human race and what we do cant remember what film it is but we are a disease .we destroy ourselves and obviously in times to come things will become harder and deescalate.there is more and more of us everyday.we increase beyond our means of this planet. so there is only one way it can go.unless we move to other planets.

a apocalyptic event will happen at some point many will perish and a natural balance will happen.how long that will take to recover if it does recover is anyone's guess.lol.

Agent Smith? The last bit reminded me of Noah.

 

[Vern1961]

Yet that world you speak of was making itself rich off the backs of others far less fortunate.

It was meant as a light hearted aside... Why does every discussion on this forum have to be so damn solemn? If serious discussion only is permitted then get a mod to move it to SC, where only the board elite dare to tread.