I don't want to go off of some crazy libertarian rant, but really, take a couple hours to reread this book, and then take a fresh look at the world of distraction all around you.
… Already long ago, from when we sold our vote to no man, the People have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a time handed out military command, high civil office, legions — everything, now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things: bread and circuses
Once a society becomes advanced many comforts become available, it seems to happen that we forgot just how it is we got there. There is an economic theory that goes something like, every generation or two needs a great war so that those who survive come back home with a sense of purpose. And those individuals work to advance society. The next generation perhaps becomes more immersed in the culture and uninterested in advancing knowledge or economic gains. Stagnation sets in again.