I disagree on the central bank and gold standard. Other than that, I agree.
To me, one of the fundamental, basic changes is indoor plumbing (and with it, clean water). That is a game changer. Heat is a really big deal; getting it from something more efficient than a wood stove that only heats half a room is big plus. Refrigeration for food. Easy transportation. The internet.
Now, you can look at the internet and see that it is not purely a win. Same with cars. Still, would I go back to, say, 1900, or even 1980? No.
To me, one of the fundamental, basic changes is indoor plumbing (and with it, clean water). That is a game changer. Heat is a really big deal; getting it from something more efficient than a wood stove that only heats half a room is big plus. Refrigeration for food. Easy transportation. The internet.
Now, you can look at the internet and see that it is not purely a win. Same with cars. Still, would I go back to, say, 1900, or even 1980? No.