4 ms·

I'd wager longer lifespans (a consequence of improved material conditions) have made a big difference. Back in the day, you had a decent chance of dying fairly

I'd wager longer lifespans (a consequence of improved material conditions) have made a big difference. Back in the day, you had a decent chance of dying fairly young anyway, so there wasn't as much disincentive to do stuff that might get you killed (such as crimes, revolutions, and other violent acts). Nowadays, in a developed nation, the cost of dying young is incredibly high as measured by years of life lost.

ffgjgf1 3y ago
The likelihood of doing in your 20s or 30s (due to natural causes) was still relatively low. If you survived childhood expecting to live into your 50s was pretty reasonable. Also this would seem like a highly nihilistic attitude hardly compatible with the social values of the day. I doubt this could’ve been a significant reason on a societal level.