Originally Posted by charlie g

Different strokes. Just because some people would rather live their lives watching tv and keeping up with the Joneses(typing on a keyboard for hours a day), does not make them any more enlightened than those living in the third world. While some are worried about the lexus payment or mortgage on the house they cant really afford and dont see their children for more than 20 minutes on a given day, others are taking care of their family and are more involved with real things that matter most in life.

So you ask me is it a good thing? I think it is the best of things. While MOST western people chase things that don't really matter in life, many of these 3rd world people are content earning a humble living and are more in-tune with life. What you call ignorance some call bliss.