Flow, that is, optimal experience, comes out of understanding that the roots of the discontent are internal, and each person must untangle them personally, with his or her own power.
Before we go into the deeper discourse, however, let us see ourselves first. Everybody seems to agree that we have the great fortune of living in the richest country that ever was, in the most scientifically advanced period of human history, surrounded by the most efficient technology, protected by the wisest Constitution. Therefore, it makes sense to expect that we would have a richer, more meaningful life than any earlier members of the human race. If our grandparents, living in that ridiculously primitive past, could be content, just imagine how happy we would be! Science told us this was so, it was confirmed by thousands of TV commercials celebrating the good life. Yet despite all these assurances, sooner or later, we wake up alone, sensing that there is no way this affluent, scientific, and sophisticated world is going to provide us with happiness. The answer seems clear: while humankind collectively has increased its material powers a thousandfold, it has not advanced very far in terms of improving the content of experience.