I think the axis here to look at is not individualism vs collectivism but empathy and willingness to cooperate.
> It seems that societies grow greatly and then settle into a period of stagnation, constantly talking about golden years while actively stifling them in the present - moribund European economies, the erstwhile innovation cities of America.
I feel like more often it's not "it was great but now it is worse" but the fact people forget the bad stuff and remember the good times.
Sure, buying a home is more expensive than ever but in general standards of living in most places are steadily growing and we're not getting poisoned by lead in petrol or have lead &asbestos in walls.
> It seems that societies grow greatly and then settle into a period of stagnation, constantly talking about golden years while actively stifling them in the present - moribund European economies, the erstwhile innovation cities of America.
I feel like more often it's not "it was great but now it is worse" but the fact people forget the bad stuff and remember the good times.
Sure, buying a home is more expensive than ever but in general standards of living in most places are steadily growing and we're not getting poisoned by lead in petrol or have lead &asbestos in walls.