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Transition from Agricultural to Manufacturing Economy
The transition from an agricultural economy to a predominantly manufacturing and services-based economy involves significant societal changes in perceptions and activities. Initially, when agriculture was the primary focus, any growth in other economic segments faced skepticism regarding their legitimacy. Over time, as productivity in farming increased and farmers became a smaller percentage of the workforce, economies evolved to support a multitude of related services. This shift revealed a human tendency to adapt to new desires and find ways to satisfy them, often leading to higher standards of living. Anecdotes from past eras, such as travel accounts from the early days of economic growth in China, highlight how perceptions of value have changed. For instance, time was considered cheap while material goods were viewed as precious, indicating a stark contrast to modern attitudes of abundance. Today, people easily acclimate to improved living conditions, taking them for granted and continually seeking further enhancements, demonstrating a cycle of adaptation to rising standards of living.