Can anyone remember when the times were not hard, and money not scarce?

As the world grapples with the latest wave of economic uncertainty, a question lingers in the minds of many: Can anyone remember when the times were not hard, and money not scarce? For generations, it seems, financial strain has been a constant, a relentless drumbeat in the background of daily life. The answer, perhaps unsurprisingly, depends on who you ask and where they're from. Economists point to the post-World War II era, often referred to as the "Golden Age" of capitalism, when many Western countries experienced unprecedented growth and prosperity. In the United States, the 1950s and 60s were marked by rising incomes, low unemployment, and a sense of optimism that permeated society. It was a time when a single income could support a family, and the American Dream seemed within reach for many. Similarly, in Europe, the same period saw a rapid rebuilding of economies devastated by war, fueled by the Marshall Plan and a newfound commitment to social welfare. However, this prosperity was not universal. In the Global South, the legacy of colonialism and unequal economic systems meant that hard times and scarcity were all too familiar, even as Western nations flourished. The 1970s and 80s brought a significant shift, with the rise of neoliberal policies, globalization, and the erosion of manufacturing bases in developed countries. The deindustrialization of cities like Detroit and Manchester led to widespread unemployment and poverty, setting the stage for the modern era of economic anxiety. The 2008 financial crisis, triggered by reckless banking practices and lax regulation, marked a turning point, exposing the fragility of the global economy and the vast inequality that had been growing for decades. In the aftermath, austerity measures and stagnant wages became the new normal, fueling political unrest and the rise of populist movements on both sides of the Atlantic. Today, as the world navigates the challenges of the post-pandemic era, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, the question of when times were not hard takes on a new urgency. For many millennials and Gen Zers, who came of age during the Great Recession and its aftermath, the concept of widespread prosperity is little more than a distant memory or a myth perpetuated by older generations. "I've never known a time when money wasn't tight," says Sarah Johnson, a 28-year-old freelance writer from Brooklyn. "My parents talk about the 'good old days,' but for me, it's always been a struggle to make ends meet." Sarah's experience is not unique. A recent survey found that nearly 60% of Americans under the age of 35 don't believe they'll ever achieve the financial security their parents enjoyed. The situation is similarly bleak in many other parts of the world. In the UK, the cost of living crisis has led to soaring food bank usage, while in Australia, young people are delaying homeownership and starting families due to financial insecurity. Despite these challenges, there are glimpses of hope. The growing awareness of economic inequality has sparked a global conversation about the need for systemic change. The rise of progressive political movements, advocating for policies like universal basic income, Medicare for All, and a Green New Deal, suggests that people are no longer willing to accept hard times as inevitable. Moreover, technological advancements and the growth of the renewable energy sector are creating new opportunities for sustainable economic development. As the world continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the answer to the question "Can anyone remember when the times were not hard, and money not scarce?" may be less about nostalgia for the past and more about building a better future. By acknowledging the complexities of our shared history and the challenges of the present, we can work towards a world where prosperity is not a distant memory, but a tangible reality for all.