https://www.optimallyirrational.com/p/the-aim-of-maximising-...
Consider this 1940s ad for a "house that runs like magic", powered by gas:
https://wip.gatspress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/AGAAd-1...
I'm already living this dream life from the 1940s. I have a range, a refrigerator, "permanent hot springs", heating, and air conditioning.
I've had that stuff all my life. It's normal for me. I don't appreciate it.
Perhaps in addition to Progress Studies, we need some sort of neo-mindfulness gratitude journaling movement, focused on appreciating all of the awesome technology that's already widespread.
People demonstrate sophistication by explaining why things suck. It's not cool or fashionable to dwell on life's simple pleasures. Perhaps it's time to take a bold stand for naivete. https://xkcd.com/606/
But you also had all this stuff back in the 2000s. In the 80s, harder to say. But in 2024, nothing has really changed.
