The first affluent societies existed on the plains of East Africa. It's been calculated folks worked 16 to 20 hours a week, had everything their societies had to offer, and spent the rest of their time with their friends and families doing whatever they wanted to do.

They didn't live as long, true. It was an existence which was hard on their bodies. And they lived well.

There is a lot of fuss about technology and the improvements. Cheney loves to see motorscooters in Third World countries. Frankly, the devastation to the quality of life, to the families, to the societies, isn't worth it.

Especially now, when it would be possible to enjoy both worlds if religions weren't hell-bent on seeing overpopulation ruins life for everyone.

But technology does not make for an affluent society.

Arf