Which society is advanced?

You would think that in this day and age of virtual community and iPhones, blackberry devices, we are living in the most advanced culture and society, comparing to the previous generations.

Let's say 19th century . ( No reason. I love Romantic Era, so I can write a comparison.. *chuckles*)

Back in the day, They did not even have condoms. (oh they were experimenting various items and method of contraceptives, but effective condoms only appeared after rubber was invented by Charles Goodyear late in 19th century.) The venereal diseases were plenty even among the upper class citizens and intellectuals. In fact, it was trendy to have V.D or two, one of the Goncourt brothers rejoiced when he was contracted syphilis... even tho he died from it.

France had a system in place to check and register all the prostitute in Paris, give them medical treatment if they show signs of disease. The system was effective and their citizen's public health dramatically improved compares to the England which had strict moral values set forth by Queen Victoria, and where prostitution was illegal. London still suffered a lot worse because they could not stop prostitutions at all, there are no way to check and detect disease spread by prostitutes who are sick.

One British doctors noticed the differences in two cities. Did actual research on this matter so he can improve the public health of his fellow citizens.
His research was dis missed.
Prostitution was still illegal, hence there were no registration systems.
Prostitution never went away, hence the disease spreading among all ranks.

French, recognized the necessary evil of the prostitution. They just put practical system and go after every prostitute on the streets of Paris. Check their health , gave them medicines, register each of them.
(Oh , there were still casual hookers who are not registered but who would refuse free medical care?)

which culture is more advanced?
the one with moral values?
the one with practical system in place?

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In early 19th century of Paris.
They just suffered cholera and three day revolutions.

But there are many young artists and musicians in town. Chopin, Liszt sit at the street cafe with Mendelssohn who was visiting Paris, commenting on stuck up older musician just walking by them... Belrioz was still supporting himself as a editor/music critic for the news paper, Heine, who just came from Germany tried to re invent himself as critic (and black mailing all those artists to correct some *mistakes in his articles*) ...

They also write critical article about each other's works and performances. In fact Berlioz was critical of Liszt, improvising on Beethoven' sonatas where the most of their audience never heard of Beethoven and not aware of those improvisation was all Liszt's rendering and not the original composition. Liszt knew audience was oblivious and he often improvised on other composer's works. Berlioz who knew the works of Beethoven criticized the rendering of one of his performance.

Was that slander? No. It was the fact.

The next concert Berlioz attended, the candles went out by the sudden wind came from open window. Liszt did not stop his performance, played on Beethoven's sonata.
When the last notes died out , no one spoke.
The next article by Berlioz read "it was the most accurate rendition of Beethoven, he would be proud in his grave. I saw one of our friend was weeping in the beauty of the sound."

The honest exchange of critics and opinions.

Liszt and Berlioz was a close friend long after. Berlioz even visited Liszt on tour in Austria, trying to pull him out from duel in tavern... (-.-)

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In this day and age, I would think that the concept of Freedom of expression is nothing remarkable.
The exchange of opinion will be welcomed by all sides.
Each opinion will be heard and debated in mature manner.

We can afford to do that, because we don't have to fight cholera breaking out in the middle of our salon.We do not have to look for weapons, in case crashes between whatever the political party decides to stand against whoever.

I would think.

But in virtual world, its a backward society of pre-1879 era.

Critics sent to guillotines or exiled.
Satirical publication burned.

But the history will repeat itself.
Such society will not survive.