Why We’re Never Satisfied: The Era of Rising Expectations

Human progress has always carried a paradox: the more we achieve, the more we expect. Economies grow, technology advances, and living standards rise — yet satisfaction often lags behind. This pattern, sometimes called the “era of rising expectations,” has shaped revolutions, fueled political change, and influenced personal well-being across centuries.

From historical upheavals to the digital age, rising expectations reveal how human desires continually outpace reality. They highlight the tension between progress and patience, growth and contentment. Understanding this dynamic helps explain not only social unrest, but also the personal dissatisfaction many people feel even in times of abundance.

At its core, the era of rising expectations isn’t just about economics or politics — it’s about human psychology, culture, and the shifting definition of what feels “normal.”