That is exactly correct. I blame much of our modern madness on prosperity. People can have foolish ideas because they haven't had to suffer under the consequences of their foolish ideas.
Back when times were hard, people did not tolerate foolish ideas lightly, because the school of hard knocks had taught them better.
This current crop of kids protesting the cops have no grasp of what they will get if they get what they think they want.
I would rail to my late Father about all the stupid things being done in the world and he would listen considerately but say nothing. This only made me more outraged. Ultimately I would ask him if he didn’t have something to say!?
He would say, “Yes I do. You are correct in almost all you say and I agree with you on most of it. However, I have too much behind me and not enough ahead to become too wrapped up in it even if I thought I could do a thing to change the outcome we see racing to meet us.” Then he would want to go for a walk or some other diversion to make the most and most pleasant of our short time together.
God how I miss that man!
I am approaching that age when he began to say these things to me. I am seeing more behind me than ahead. I will not give up but will do my best with what I can and endure what I can’t change as long as I need to somehow.
To your note on the ills of prosperity, yes. My son notes this frequently as well. No hard choices, no crucibles, no really bad consequences.