The rich young man to whom Jesus speaks in Mark 10.17-31, provides a good example of the modern economic transformation. His wealth is not described, but it is safe to say that his fine clothes, large house, and numerous servants would have made him rich anywhere in the world at any time up to about 1750. By today’s standards, however, he was very poor. His furniture and diet were crude and meager. His house may have been fine, but it was cold and dirty and his health was likely to be poor. His travels were ridiculously slow and uncomfortable—a camel or a carriage vs. an air-conditioned car or jet. His access to knowledge (technical, not spiritual) was pathetic. He had no text messages, recorded music, or overseas holidays.The tremendous increase in stuff production teaches a lesson about the human condition.