Is anyone else surprised how much of today's real life is reflected in Balzac's novels?

Question

I have enjoyed at least ten books from his "Comedie Humaine" and am always struck how the feelings and attitudes he wrote about then are often reflected in society today (I live in the US). I am starting Proust's "Swann's Way" and am finding it more dated. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

People will always remain people - It's called the human condition.

Answer 2

Ha ha, she said balzac.