I personally think that it is very difficult to look through things in a much bigger perspective than we are. I think it's the reason why individuals (like me) rely on mass media and the words of politicians (leaders) as the basis of one's belief.
Most individuals are way to far or distanced away from the so called "truth or reality", in developing countries like Philippines, citizens are voting for politicians based on the options that they have (whether good or bad politicians), or it could be based on the influence of mass media or the by the society where they lived. I have no idea how to fix this or even the most powerful person in that country, that is feasible in my or their lifetime, this problem is even older than me or anyone else that is alive at the moment.
I recalled both my parents and grandparents, are or were saying that the present living condition is so much better compared to before, it's because they lived a much difficult life back then.
To be honest, If I were to asses my current existence in this lifetime, I think that were living a better life now in comparison to the past. We are entering a new phase of development in all facets of life, like what you are saying in your previous posts, technology will improve exponentially. I will be very glad that it will happen in my lifetime :)
I will not take it for granted, that's for sure!
Thanks for this article @sean-king, it woke up my positive outlook to the future.