This is a pretty well worn quote, but it really is a good thing to keep in mind anytime you hear people talking about how [whatever] is declining. If things were getting worse even 1% as often as people say they are, we would be extinct by now.
"Worse" is subjective and contextually dependent. Describing kids' manners as worse the previous generations' manners is entirely subjective. Bucking tradition, shaking things up - these are characteristics that create innovation and efficiency.
I would argue that a healthy contempt for authority keeps the world advancing positively. Why should I "respect" some supervisor that instructs me in methods that are inefficient at completing my work? That kind of contempt for authority is welcome.
