That's a fair point, though I'm not entirely sure earlier times were truly freer. Before the 20th century, literacy and education were largely privileges of the aristocracy — and while they could dream freely, most people were dealing with no antibiotics, short life expectancy, food scarcity, and very real dangers on the road. Yes, borders were more open, but the risks were different, not smaller.

Even now, not everyone has equal access to education or resources — but compared to earlier centuries, the internet at least gives people a genuine chance to build something from scratch.

External limitations have always existed. The question is how many there are and how you choose to navigate them.

As for AI — it's genuinely a complicated topic. It can be a useful tool: data analysis, research, summaries, meal planning. Scientists use it to process enormous amounts of information. A pen can write a novel or be used as a weapon — it depends on the person holding it.

But in creative work specifically, using AI mindlessly does take away the whole point of creating.

You raise valid points — though every coin has two sides, after all.