Life in 18th Century Europe Samuel Johnson wrote that the life of the common man living in Europe during the 18th century was “little to be enjoyed and much to be endured.” (1) The masses of the 18th century lived short demanding lives. The life expectancy of the average person living in Europe during the 18th century was roughly 30 years. A combination of disease, scientific ignorance, and malnutrition was responsible for the surpisengly short lives of 18th century Europeans. (2) During the Old Regime, Europeans were almost constantly bombarded with disease. Diseases like tuberculosis, typhoid feve