WHO never had it so good?

Yesterday I met up with an old friend and colleague who had celebrated his seventieth birthday earlier this year. You wouldn’t think so, as he is still an active yachtsman/sailor, walker and hash harrier.

He made me pause to think when he said that no generation in human history has ever had it so good as his generation (ok, we’re talking about Britain, and a fairly fortunate section of British society, at that).

-The generation in question didn’t have to fight in a world war.

-It didn’t have to do National Service.

-University Entrance was a lot easier and a degree course was a much less costly proposition than it is now. For many students, tuition was free.

- Secondary Education became more accessible after the 1944 Education Act (free Grammar School education etc).

-The National Health System ensured that medical attention and health care were free of charge at the point of delivery.

-It was relatively easy to find an interesting job and career.

-Britain held a lot of prestige in the world.

-Occupational and Public Sector Pension systems were more generous and secure

-Houses were affordable and greatly increased in value.

If this is all true (in general) why do most people fail to count their blessings or their lucky stars?
One could think of a lot of other reasons for making such a claim about the generation that never had it so good, but not for feeling self-satisfied.
It was also the generation that enjoyed the liberating influence of rock 'n' roll (and rhythm 'n' blues) music. Now there's a good reason for feeling a sense of good fortune and gratitude!