The Paradox of Progress
As society advances and major problems are solved, our threshold for what we consider a problem lowers. In the absence of significant hardships, our anxieties tend to shift towards more trivial matters. This creates a dynamic where, despite objective improvements in the world, people may not necessarily feel more at ease.
The Inevitability of a Minimum Stress Level
Most individuals and society as a whole appear to operate with a baseline level of stress. Once a problem is resolved, the focus of anxiety simply moves to the next issue, regardless of its comparative triviality. Even in a utopian scenario of perfect wealth, health, and peace, it's likely that grievances, albeit minor ones, would still exist and occupy our attention.
The Phenomenon of "Concept Creep"
The definition of a problem(s) expands over time. What was once considered a normal part of life can be redefined as a risk, and less severe instances of a risk can be recast as major issues. This can create the illusion that the world is deteriorating, when in fact, our standards and definitions have simply changed.
Stress as a Catalyst for Innovation
Worry and stress are powerful motivators for progress. The desire to solve problems is a fundamental human characteristic that drives innovation and improvement. Therefore, a world completely devoid of stress might also be a world without the impetus for positive change.
The Problem-Solving Identity
Humans are inherently problem solvers. While this is a positive trait, it can sometimes lead to the perception of problems where none exist. When solving problems is central to one's identity, there can be a tendency to seek out or even create issues to address.
The Allure of Anger
Anger can provide a sense of moral superiority. When we identify and get angry about a problem, it can create a feeling of being better than those perceived to be causing it. This can be an intoxicating emotion that, for some, becomes a preferred state.
Trivial Disagreements as a Sign of Prosperity
The nature of our collective disagreements can be an indicator of societal well-being. When people are arguing about relatively insignificant issues, it often means that the larger, more fundamental problems have been largely addressed. In this sense, the "dumber" the disagreements, the better the state of the world might actually be.