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/
Once you start thinking about all the things you already have, asking for more seems selfish. All I wish for is these 'basic' conveniences for everybody in the world, not just me and my peers.
Clean air.
Enough food. Enough food that the problem is obesity, not starvation.
Freedom to speak my mind.
When you add it all up... wow. It's immense.
We should have had this thread a couple weeks ago, at Thanksgiving.
But you also had all this stuff back in the 2000s. In the 80s, harder to say. But in 2024, nothing has really changed.
Also plumbing and a bidet! No catholes, no rashes, no norovirus! I wake up every day with gratitude in my heart for this abundance.
