The Comfort Zone

From time to time one wonders what makes people think that modern democracy is so much better than the ways of the past.

You have factors that actively make people believe in certain theories, and you have factors that keep people believing in certain theories. The comfort factor mostly belongs in the latter category.

It can be quite comfortable to believe that we have learnt something from the lessons of history, and that we are applying what we have learnt.

It can be quite uncomfortable to challenge this belief.

Those who do not believe that we have moved on to better conditions can do little about it – at least in the short run. Is it not then better to say as Meher Baba and Bobby McFerrin: Don't worry, be happy?

BTW, some things have actually gotten better.