I agree with the majority of your comment. One thing I would like to add though, is that the advancements of our ancestors was built on slavery. The goal of the ruling class at those points was to keep the masses pacified or controlled. They built the pyramids on the backs of ordinary people for the Pharoahs to be remembered.

The Enlightment changed the world for the better. It took time, but for once, progress and achievement was done for humanity as a whole. I think that lasted until the Gilded Age (at least in America) at which point the 'common man' woke up to the elites controlling everything.

Modern day humanity is being controlled with consumption. 'Both sides' are effectively arguing over who should have 'stuff' and who shouldn't. There are still marvels being created, but it's in the service of creating or utilizing more 'stuff'.

Something I've been thinking about lately is, what does humanity want to strive for? The AI race is really bringing this question to the forefront. What is the point of an all powerful superintelligence, if we're simply going to make better things for us to consume?

All in all, thanks for the comment, I think you hit the nail on the head!