Not to be too glib about it, but if people want to feel as economically secure as they imagine people felt in the 50’s, try living as most people did in the 50’s. You’d save a lot of money. One car per family, smaller houses, fewer appliances, (way) fewer restaurants and eating out, much less international travel, simpler food, no fancy imported beer and spirits and not much wine-drinking, no cable, cell phones, computers, or internet, not much student loan debt (because not as many people went to college).

If you read novels from the early 20th century, you’ll find characters worried about the same things, more or less, that Mink describes as the sources of worries today. Mink’s assertion that the repercussions of a tragic event happening today are worse than before is just plain wrong, in my opinion.

Mink describes some of the unfortunate things he’s experienced in his personal life in the article, which no doubt have caused or at least exacerbated his uneasiness. He’s a good writer; she should try writing a book based on his experiences. He seems to have a lot of insight, though maybe not enough historical perspective.

By the way, neither major party candidate for president is doing anything to disabuse the American people of this mentality.