What you're saying is true, but this has also been matched with increased accessibility to the source material with greater ability to come to one's own conclusions.
Maybe this just a self confidence issue, but I've never felt that comparison to others was a stressful or negative experience. Then again, it's not really something I've allowed to take up much of my time either.
I know that's not the case for all people, but isn't the difference similar to that of a kid growing up in a village or a city?
This I absolutely agree with, and I think the two sides of it are intrinsically linked.
I can only speak of what I've seen in the UK, but setting targets for university attendance regardless of aptitude is one of the worst political decisions ever made in this country, and stinks of an international tinkling contest.
It not only decreases the value of a degree but also devalues the results of not having one. I'm hugely in favour schools tailoring their education to be more vocational for those who are clearly not suited for academia.
I'm not sure the standards are that ridiculous.
Again, only speaking for the UK but have you seen what people here looked like in the 70s? I think the current trend is going a bit far and will revert a bit like all fashions, but a gym membership and some hair removal can't be a bad thing.
As for the effect that has on an individual, much like the peer comparison issue isn't that just a self confidence thing? If so, then surely the focus should be on the root cause itself?
Consumption is enjoyable. As a product of my hard work I have lots of nice things that I like having. Many merely supplement other interests (projector and good speakers for films), others are labour saving and give me more time (the one thing I can't earn more of) like a robotic mower or a Google Home.
These are all things I didn't know about until they were marketed at me but all improve my life in their own small way.
That's just a stupid tax. Nobody with a brain wants to be famous.
I don't think we're supposed to do anything. If life came with an instruction manual it would just say "Enjoy yourself and don't be a ding dong."
The real beauty of the lack of struggle in everyday life now is the ability to "choose your own adventure". Much of my early years were spent chasing tail, when my wife and I settled I spent my spare time furthering my knowledge and reading. Now I just spend time with my son doing whatever the fudge his 4 year old mind wants to do today. This morning that was going out into the garden with no shoes on and having a lightsaber fight.
My point is that there is no point. No reason, no purpose, no one thing that we have to do. Life just is. Understand that, enjoy yourself and don't be a ding dong - the rest is easy.
