A whole lot of angst in this country right now. Particularly on the right, but the left is plenty busy crying and moaning about how bad things are also. But...how about a little perspective?
The people of the United States in 2024 live better than any humans have in the history of the planet. We really do...and we don't see it. We make more money, have more things that make our lives easier and better, and we live healthier lives. We don't have to worry about being attacked militarily. Pretty much anyone in the country that wants a job, has one. We have freedoms that most humans in history would be astonished that we have.
We even live better than most Americans ever did.
In 1960, per capita income in the US was $2,300 a year. In today's dollars that's about $24,000.
In 1980, per capita income in the US was just over $10,000. In today's dollars that's about $38,000.
In 2000, per capita income in the US was $30,500. In today's dollars that's about $54,000.
Per capita income in 2023 was $66,000.
I could go on. We live long and we live better. We have everything you ever could want in terms of entertainment in a little device we all carry. Traveling is actually cheaper than it was in 1980 also. Crime is far less than it was in 1980, and similar to 2000.
So why the hell are we so angry?
If you don't realize how good we have it, just go travel outside the country.
The people of the United States in 2024 live better than any humans have in the history of the planet. We really do...and we don't see it. We make more money, have more things that make our lives easier and better, and we live healthier lives. We don't have to worry about being attacked militarily. Pretty much anyone in the country that wants a job, has one. We have freedoms that most humans in history would be astonished that we have.
We even live better than most Americans ever did.
In 1960, per capita income in the US was $2,300 a year. In today's dollars that's about $24,000.
In 1980, per capita income in the US was just over $10,000. In today's dollars that's about $38,000.
In 2000, per capita income in the US was $30,500. In today's dollars that's about $54,000.
Per capita income in 2023 was $66,000.
I could go on. We live long and we live better. We have everything you ever could want in terms of entertainment in a little device we all carry. Traveling is actually cheaper than it was in 1980 also. Crime is far less than it was in 1980, and similar to 2000.
So why the hell are we so angry?
If you don't realize how good we have it, just go travel outside the country.
