Blackhawk, interesting comment about our "needs" of today.
I was talking with a buddy of mine and we hit on this too.

60 years ago we didn't have... Internet, cable TV, cell phones, satellite radio, iPods, GPS for our vehicles, xbox live, etc.
What i'm getting at is we have additional expenses today as a result of technology. But yea, i definitely agree with you about more jobs being created today and the higher QOL.