Mises Wire

Alienated and Demoralized by 21st Century Capitalism

Alienated and Demoralized by 21st Century Capitalism

I find myself wondering how great life must have been for generations past. They never had to deal with the vagaries of the 21st century competitive marketplace or the stresses of day-to-day life. I just had to change a flight and hotel schedule for a trip I’m taking in November because the flight I was originally taking was changed. I just spent a few minutes on talking to a customer service rep who is probably in India, and now I’m having to re-book my trip on a competing airline. It’s going to involve a red-eye flight from San Francisco to Memphis, but I’ll at least be able to make the trip.

My great-great-grandfather never had to worry about whether he could dial an 800 number on Skype, the vagaries of online booking, running across DFW to catch a connecting flight, or changing flight schedules for cross-country trips. I envy him.

All Rights Reserved ©
Note: The views expressed on Mises.org are not necessarily those of the Mises Institute.
Support Liberty

The Mises Institute exists solely on voluntary contributions from readers like you. Support our students and faculty in their work for Austrian economics, freedom, and peace.

Donate today
Group photo of Mises staff and fellows