People see the auto as a symbol of freedom, but it feels like a pretty big swindle to me.
I've come to see it this way, too, although I do think sometimes there are upsides to having a car, especially with the threat to air travel, what with the whole climate change thing et all. Honestly, I think you're one of the people I know who could go without a car, particularly because you don't see stuff like trains as a nuisance, but instead an opportunity ;)