[Finnster]

IMO, the problem is that a majority of the people only average. Exceptionalism is the exception.

I do think its a bit of rose colored nostalgia to think it was ever different. I work with some highly educated and intelligent people, and its shocking to see how many are incompetant or barely competant in thier jobs. Alot of really good people also, but some... damn.. don't know what they are thinking a lot of the time.

Its hard to be really good at something. Its takes talent, training and a desire to do things well. Not everyone can have this.

OTOH, if I ever worry about doing something different or new, thinking that everyone already doing it is going to be so good at it it would be hard for me to come in and succeed, I just remember just how many people are not that good at what they are doing, and I have a pretty good shot of doing well if I'm determined. Seems like half the challenge in life is just having the balls to try something.