The past like yesterday or the past like when plagues used to sweep across Europe?  

 It varies from one culture to another, from one age range to another, etc. A crude generalization has many problems and tends to be inaccurate. But if you're talking about Western cultures, could be, but again I'm against gross generalization. Also remember that we tend—as humans—to see the bad side more easily. 

 Perhaps this will interest you…
https://stevenpinker.com/publications/enlightenment-now-case-reason-science-humanism-and-progress