Re:Well, of course (Score 2)

I would disagree with that. Once basic needs are fufilled, u can move on to grander things. But beyond that, the author of the article is wrong in other ways. Cars, lightbulbs, and telephones were all invented in the 19th century and made cheap enough to use in the early twentieth century. I don't know how this is any worse than what the author complains we're doing in the late twentieth century. Indoor plumbing actually goes to Ancient Rome, and was only implemented in the early 20C. Also, he neglects that with certain things once invented they become moving targets. For instance, the first penicillin resistant germs appeared in the 1950s. Incredible innovation is required to stay ahead of these critters. Also, the average person in the 1950s would not have recognized references to computers. I also fail to understand how more bang for the buck (with computers) translates into less value. He also underestimates modern medicine. For instance, anti-psychotic and anti-depressant medications. They allow millions to live happier, fuller lives. There's a pretty big innovation. Also,with regard to spaceflight, that's a cheap shot. The '50s propaganda was overblown.