I used to believe that overall standard of living had increased, the realization of technological advance. We have better toys and probably better food now than

I used to believe that overall standard of living had increased, the realization of technological advance. We have better toys and probably better food now than in my childhood. Adding to my confusion was my experience in Silicon Valley, or that of my extended family in the South; while my increased earning power was overwhelmed by an increase in housing costs, my extended family could live in brand-new homes, an ever-expanding suburbia. It's very strange there.