Truth. These kinds of thread arguments have a hidden presumption that cultural superiority is measured solely by the progress of technology and more stuff. That was Cold War propaganda, and Russian oligarchs certainly took advantage of that premise with everyday Russians after the fall of the USSR. As if the only two options are dire poverty, crime, corruption, and demoralization on one side, or advanced, ultra consumer centered completely built out civilization drowning in overwhelming lifestyle and career/identity options on the other side.