We = humans  

 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 

 If we are then it’s only because the previous data wasn’t recorded, I don’t think we are 

 I am speak for the rest i must not 

 Us bitcoiners are 😄
The past is kind of a vague timeframe but let's put it like this, there have surely been points in time where people were happier than today, too much unnatural stuff going on. 

 I don’t think so, I liked the world better when I was younger.