Here is what H.G. Wells had to say on the subject:

"But in these plethoric times when there is too much coarse stuff for everybody and the srtuggle for life takes the form of competitive advertisement and the effort to fill your neighbor's eye, there is no urgent demand either for personal courage, sound nerves or stark beauty, we find ourselves by accisent. Always before these times the bulk of the people did not overeat themselves, because the couldsn't, whether they wanted to or not, and all but a very few were kept "fit" by unavoidable exercise and personal danger. Now if we only pitch his standard low enough and keep free from pride, almost anyone can achieve a sort of excess. You can go through contemporary life fudging and evading, indulging and slacking, never really hungry nor frightened nor passionately stirred, your highest moment a mere sentimental orgasm, and your first real contact with primary and elemental necessities the sweat of your deathbed."

Think of that quote the next time your boss gives you any shit..

wm