From Material to Thought: Tracing Humanity's Evolution and the Persistent Duality of Wealth and Values
The current global population has more than doubled compared to what most of the existing working class experienced at their birth. This staggering growth marks an unprecedented era in human history. Two significant features have emerged during our journey from our ape ancestors to the present day: the democratization of material wealth and the democratization of thought. Since the mid-20th century, there has been a noticeable shift in the availability and access to material comforts. More people now enjoy these comforts than at any other time in known history. Equally profound is the growing acceptance and application of universal human values. While such values existed in the past, they were often monopolized by a select few who claimed guardianship over both material and spiritual well-being, often to the detriment of the masses. Words like liberation, freedom, tolerance, and equality have become part of the common vernacular since the mid-20th century. Some regions could be see...