Yes, Virginia, sadly enough, the various progresses made (or or rather partly realised for common people) in technology, education, improved living conditions, mobility, etc. - left out quite a few less positive impacts and hazards, and many, rather disreputable, unfair or intransparent business, political and "traditional" practices went more or less "unnoticed" or were considered as "normal".
From outside, one saw and still sees dream models of wealth, freedom, glamour, success, celebrity, happiness, etc. - but behind the scenes, misery, wasting, abuse and depletion went and go alongside with glory and "great deeds", as one winner involves always too many "losers".
We were all young, "packed" with ideals and illusions, believing in a more just world, which was also widely spread by education, religious teachings, advertisement and propaganda. Who wasn't naive, inexperienced, trying to learn - believing in integrity, loyalty, fair-play, progress, love and altruism - and also in fortune? And if somebody played dirty tricks, it was simply an exception and/or bad luck for the fooled ones. And the majority of the more favoured people still believe that disasters always happen to other people.
Yes, I think that all of us must go through phases of discouragement, confusion, helplessness, sorrow and distress after traumatising events or experiences, accidents, disasters, losses, or diseases.
Many must learn the hard way ...