Still working my way through Creative Ministry by Henri Nouwen, published in 1971. The following passage seemed timely, again with no attempt made to make the language inclusive:

We live in a culture in which the words of Jesus: “Do not worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will take care of itself” (Mt. 6:34) sound beautiful and romantic, but completely unrealistic. We live in such a utilitarian society that even our most intimate moments have become subject to the question: “What is the purpose of it?”

Modern man does not just eat and drink but has business lunches and fund-raising dinners. He does not just go horseback riding or swimming—he also invites his companions to do a little business on horseback or even in the pool. He does not just exercise his body or listen to beautiful songs, but he also has become involved in a tremendous industry of sports and music. And he always keeps on believing that the real thing is going to happen tomorrow. In this kind of life the past has degenerated into a series of used or misused opportunities, the present into a constant concern about accomplishments, and the future into a make-believe paradise where man hopes to finally receive what he always wanted but the existence of which he basically doubts.

A life like this cannot be celebrated because we are constantly concerned with changing it into something else, always trying to do something to it, get something out of it, and make it fit our many plans and projects. We go to meetings, conferences, and congresses. We critically evaluate our part, discuss how to do ti better in the future, and worry whether or not our great design will ever work out.

Our culture is a working, hurrying, and worrying culture with many opportunities except the opportunity to celebrate life. - Henri Nouwen, Creative Ministry, pp.101f., my emphasis