"What are the root causes of this crisis of confidence?"
Exactly. The entire concept of "root causes" seems to be conveniently escaping many people, as if this was a totally unpredictable astronomical phenomenon akin to a giant asteroid hitting Earth!
Or better yet: one evil, all-controlling "Other" has suddenly seized control of the universe and he's the one who sent this asteroid crashing down on our poor, fiscally responsible, undeserving heads.
Sure.
All that is needed to make a happy life is within yourself, in your way of thinking. -Marcus Aurelius