Figured it out...

The natural fulfillment of any human civilization hinges on two phases. Phase 1, to evolve far enough in order to create weapons and other toxic systems that can destroy all life. Phase 2, to evolve further so that the civilization may discover very good reasons not to use these phase 1 creations.

The time in between the completion of phase 1 and the start of phase 2 is generally regarded as a golden age by those who have lived through them and come out the other side. Funny thing, you can't tell that to the people living in this transformational era. They generally just don't see it.

(The City by Lori Nix)