Final answer:
People in modern times may be considered less barbaric due to the abolition of practices such as public executions and more widespread recognition of human rights, but issues of modern warfare and inequality raise questions about ongoing barbarism. There has been a rise in secularism, but morality still finds its foundations in a blend of societal norms and personal belief systems. Capitalism today shows evolution from its past form, grappling with new challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
To address whether people are more or less barbaric now than hundreds of years ago, it's important to evaluate both historical context and the present-day situation. Historically, practices often considered barbaric, such as public executions or gladiatorial games, were commonplace and socially accepted. Today, while such practices have mostly been abolished and human rights are more widely recognized, the question of barbarism can still be raised with regards to modern warfare, systemic inequality, and other social issues.
Regarding the decline in belief in God or the influence of religion over people's lives, it's arguable that while secularism has risen, people still find a foundation for their morality through a variety of sources including philosophy, societal norms, and personal beliefs. Likewise, the rise of capitalism and its perception today show both continuities and evolutions from its past form, dealing with issues of economic inequality and consumer culture. By comparing the past and present, we see shifts in what is considered acceptable behavior, but also underlying continuities in human interaction and belief systems.