True, Germany started in the late 1800's, and I figure the latest in Europe has been around since the 70's, meaning European Adults born in in the 1950's and later know no any other way.
That's right, and equally, the other way around... I think you and I are probably old enough to remember what it was like here before, as compared to now... And folks here don't know anywhere near how well they've got it, EVEN YET.
I DO know. I have never worked for anyone since my teens... Made my own way... And worked myself all the way up to upper middle class, with a business worth more than me... And I saw it all leave, to include just about all of it, so I know all about welfare and medicare/medicaid.
Now, on the way back up, I can tell folks with all honesty that the bottom of the barrel is not the hard part - it is that first rung up that is the doozie... Especially as disabled. The place there ain't enough help is right there on that first rung that will get you off the system, and back on your own two feet. The system is set up to penalize that first rung, not encourage it.