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We seem to have solved most of the easy problems. Ships no longer run aground on unseen underwater rocks (thanks, GPS). Hurricanes no longer destroy entire regions without warning (thanks, satellites). And communications now move at the speed of light, not the speed of a trotting horse (thanks, technology industry).

But where we struggle is in seeking to distribute the gains arising from our understanding and control of nature to benefit all, not just the wealthy few. Unless and until we provide the means for people to share in the bounty created by modern technology, we can expect the decline in civility and respect for shared institutions to continue unabated.