But most Canadians have recognized to a greater or lesser extent that despite much of the so-called progress of the affluent society, essential ingredients to a meaningful life seem to be either entirely lacking, or at best, difficult to grasp.

Summary

This quote suggests that many Canadians have come to realize that despite living in a seemingly wealthy and advanced society, they feel a sense of emptiness or difficulty in finding fundamental aspects that bring meaning to their lives. It implies that material progress alone does not guarantee a fulfilling life, and there may be intangible elements that are missing or hard to attain in modern society.

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