Yes, it can be argued that achieving success today is more challenging than in the past. One major factor is the increased level of competition in virtually every field. With more people vying for the same opportunities, standing out and succeeding has become more difficult. Additionally, the bar for educational and professional qualifications has been raised significantly. Higher degrees and more specialized skills are often required to succeed in today's job market, making the path to success more complex and demanding.

No, in some ways, it's easier for people to achieve success today compared to the past. The internet has democratized access to opportunities, enabling people to pursue a wide range of activities and businesses online. The digital era has opened doors to global audiences and markets that were previously inaccessible. Additionally, there's an unprecedented level of access to resources and information. People can learn new skills, access educational materials, and connect with others worldwide, which can significantly aid in achieving success.

I'm not convinced it's more difficult to succeed now than in the past. Success has always been a challenge. However, more people today seem to believe in their ability to succeed. We're in an era where many think they can achieve anything, like starting an online store or learning a language online. The real issue is that people often give up too easily or don't know how to achieve success, a problem that's not new and was also faced in the past. So, achieving success today might be just as challenging as it was before, since the fundamental challenges haven't changed much.