Do you believe that the more advanced a society becomes, the more dependant it and its citizens become?

Several years ago, I heard a radio talk show host make this statement. I have great respect for this host, though I rarely agree him. But his concept has been niggling at me since I heard it. The U.S. would be considered an advanced society when compared to a remote tribe that has had little outside influence. The concept bothers me because I think it is true, and I don’t like it!

When I look around my community, I like to think that I am more independent and self-reliant than most of my neighbors. But do my DIY and survival skills really amount to anything of significance in the big picture? I’m still reliant on some external food supplies and health care, and I’m not so stubborn about it that I would like to have less advanced health care for the sake of being more independent.

I observed years ago that more people are able to do less for themselves than ever before. Their time is spent making money so they can pay someone else to do the things that most of us did for ourselves 50 years ago. Despite their financial capabilities, they’ve become more dependent on others. Our banking, financial, and health industries have become so intertwined globally that we’ve become dependent on other nations to pursue objectives similar to ours. Failing to do so would create financial meltdowns and pandemics.

Are we more dependent than ever before? Is it a good or bad thing?