We are indeed. We end up on a cycle going round and round unaware of it because we're not paying attention to what's really happening... just take the easy path, go along to get along, don't rock the boat, keep the peace, etc. Varying degrees of course, but it leads to a downward motion when the overall mood is to be self-concerned with things that only affect us personally in our immediate perception of what is around us, short sighted, and not looking at the larger picture. Those who go along to get along will go with the changes towards whats better or worse because they aren't too aware of the larger picture taking place from smaller movements.