Culturally, personally, technologically... are things better or worse than they used to be?

For myself, things are personally, culturally better than they were when I was in my mid twenties. But at 47 years of age, I cannot say that my personal well being is any better off than I was at 10 years of age. I’m wiser currently, but I was happier then.

Technologically, I’m torn between good enough, and more than needed. I just returned from a road trip through the boot heel of Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, where my Google Phone and Iphone GPS failed miserably. Thank goodness for the old Rand McNally Roadmap! Technology bugs me in other ways as well, such as auto type, and the constant crying for software upgrades.

I have enough techno in my life. More of it is becoming a hassle, and does not contribute to my quality of life.

What about you? Are you better off than you were 5, 10, 25 years ago? Has the internet slowed your reading of books? Are you tempted to put more validity behind the opinions of blogs than actually studying history or science?

Has the web become an addiction? Could you function without a cell phone? My friend recently canceled her cell phone and went back to a lan line with answering machine. She claims it has brought her greater peace and improves her discipline to making firm appointments without the need to constantly confirm and reconfirm details that have already been established.

My neighbor just planted a small tomato garden. She’s very proud of it and I see an improvement in her personal well being.

How do you keep balance?