Perhaps people are becoming more "shallow" as we don't feel the same reliance as we did on the rest of our communities. We believe ourselves to be entirely self-sufficient and independent?
As for "dumber", education is not perceived as important as it once was because many children and teens are of the attitude that one just needs to acquire enough money when older and become a "Donald Trump" or celebrity is the only life worth having....
I admire you remaining resolute in the standard of the company you keep but I do believe compromise is all important. I believe its increasing rigidity that is causing so many problems....
And, as someone, remarked..... "no man is an island". So true!
RE: Happy Valentines
Same to you, Stef!!