beyond the dreams of kings

When you think of the myriad miseries that plagued even the wealthiest ancient people... fleas, poor medical care, malnutrition, rampant disease, lack of access to hot chocolate (except for those lucky Aztecs, of course)... I'm amazed (almost daily) at the wide range of wonders available to even those of modest modern means.

Take, then, as a very basic example, cable and takeout. These are conventional pleasures. Minor luxuries. But think for a moment — at my disposal, I can have foods from across the world delivered in under an hour. I flip on the telly and find hundreds of storytellers, scholars, fools, and athletes performing at my whim.

Don't even get me started on the common whimsy of cell phones, cable internet, public libraries, and discount airfare options.