Today's products might be better than yesterday's in some objective way, but do they create better quality of life either absolutely or per dollar? Does the mod

Today's products might be better than yesterday's in some objective way, but do they create better quality of life either absolutely or per dollar? Does the modern barely-affordable house make its residents happier than its "laughably bad" predecessor? Does the modern phone with all of its bells and whistles make people happier than a more basic one, even before we consider things like app addiction and the 24/7 "virtual leash" aspect? People today are paying more and going into debt for things that aren't functionally any better than what went before, and might even be worse. The reasons why are worth considering. Alternatives are worth considering. "Products are better" doesn't really get us anywhere.