> It's not possible that the average modern software developer is just a bit more sensitive about their work than a welder was in 1950?

I was responding to this. My answer is no. Whether they express it or not, I imagine the sensitivity hasn't increased. You can feel something (being sensitive) without choosing to express it.

Emotional control is something well-adjusted people do every day, regardless of what they are feeling. It is simply more acceptable to express these emotions now.

If I had to guess people in the 50s just died inside and then drank themselves to death instead. Or took it out on their families.