Humanity is perpetually marching towards something better, but I think it's a mistake to take comfort too deeply in the facades of comfort and stability we build for ourselves. Fundamentally, we are still animals, and it takes less than most people imagine for that part of our lineage to reassert itself.
Razziel, you are so right. I was recently a passenger on a plane that had machanical problems. We never left the gate but were in the plane between 1-2 hours when they finally told us they were going to get another plane. It did not take long for people to get irritated and ansy. This is just a minor example. Thank goodness we were not on the tarmac!