How can the first paragraph of the novel A Tale of Two Cities be used to describe today's world?

Please refer to the first paragraph of A Tale of Two Cities.

I think we can make a thesis that the very thing that we love are the very things that are also tearing us apart. These things are, therefore, good and bad at the same time. For example, we live in the wealthiest time on earth. However, it is the pursuit of wealth that is also driving us apart and dividing families and even nations.

Here is another example, technology is a wonderful thing. For example, I cannot imagine the world without computer, cellular phones, and the Internet. However, these great technologies are also creating a false sense of community. They are also taking all of our time away. The upshot is that we do not spend too much time with one another.