>Maybe we should just agree that in some ways we are undoubtedly the most fortunate generation of humans in recorded history, but in other (mainly spiritual) ways we are possibly the most bankrupt?

Considering that until the Internet was invented there really was no decent way to find out what people in recorded history were really saying. We knew alot about Plato for example, but he really didn't give us any indications of what everyone elses life was like.

I expect that in 2020 we'll be saying something to the effect of "Any attempt at understanding humanity throughout recorded history has been worthless until now".

>Certainly the most selfish- one cannot be as selfish as we are without trememendous wealth.

Cite/Rational?

>but the fact is that churches will outlive all of us no matter how much we rage.

And so will torture, murder and war. I fail to see the point you are making here.