This is a good discussion/debate topic to explore...especially with someone so knowledgeable! When I mentioned the 'dark ages' and the struggle for basic needs...I wasn't saying their needs were different from ours. Of course...people will always need the same requirements no matter what era we live in. I favor the utopian mindset...but this was simply an aside expressing the fact that the struggle for those needs should no longer exist...not the actual needs themselves. Anyway I could go into greater detail on your other points...but the string of replies in comments tend to get rather tangled! Although my opinions and perspective seem to drastically differ...I respect yours and the fact that you have a very well rounded and intelligent argument.