In this picture of New York, the simplicity in life is exhibited by the means of transportation and the
landscape.  Horses attached to carriages do not emit greenhouse gases through exhaust pipes and such.  The natural land was not paved as one can tell by the exposed dirt.  Additionally the buildings are of simple structure.  There are no sky scrapers at ridiculous heights.
Then, life was simple and cheerful.  Now, life is regulated by automobile manufacturers and businesses with the largest buildings.  Although some automobile manufacturers are switching to more sufficient means of design, the industry has already left its detrimental mark on the environment.  As for skyscrapers, they are just an additional means of advertisement for businesses that can afford them.  The wealth of the world is unequal due to the visual misconception brought out by industries.  A new industry, or rather a business, is created and uses its "loans" and investments to construct a large facility; which in this day and time represents success.  In New York during the time this photo reflects, majority of the businesses are equal and adequate in size.  Business regulated in this manner gives no one business a deceitful advantage over another based on outward appearance.  Instead it allows the consumer to consider each store's merchandise for what its worth and not for the building's worth.