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Maybe I'm more radical, but I wonder why we need such constant, brilliant illumination anyway?

I know I'm an outlier but I often don't turn lights on, or only turn on task lighting, and at night outdoors I usually use moonlight when and where I can, or a dimmable flashlight if that's not sufficient.

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If you drive, the lack of street illumination makes it harder (even with your lights on, of course). And driving high beam is not a solution because that’ll blind incoming drivers

I am used to driving in rural areas that don't have street lamps, so I'm probably not the one to consult on that kind of thing, but I don't find that streetlamps do a tremendous amount.

That's not a problem if you have good eyesight. But some people can't see well in the dark because common eye conditions such as nearsightedness.

I'm severely nearsighted so I'm not sure you're hitting the mark here :D

If you walk, the lack of street illumination can make it difficult or impossible to navigate the area at night.

Somewhere along the line more light became (in the minds of the public) linearly associated with greater wealth, security, and prosperity.

It's cheap now but the perception remains.

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