That's the crux. It was your choice. Centuries ago we lived on the land because we worked on the land, there was no choice. With industrialisation we moved to towns. With the mechanisation of farming this migration increased.
Most people who now live seven miles from the nearest settlement - I say most, not all - have chosen to live there because they want to be seven miles from the nearest settlement. Car ownership has facilitated that choice because you know you can drive to buy a pint of milk.
Unfortunately this is not sustainable and it will change.
I live in a village that has been around since Norman times at least, we have the castle ruins to bear witness to that. Its not a new thing. It has transcended subsistence farming, industrialisation and the move to urban centres, and will survive as we move further into a post-industrial age.
Things will change, no doubt, goods will be delivered rather than us travelling to get them. We already see this with the Asda/Sainsbury's/Ocado vans that appear from time to time. Eventually we won't own, or drive, personal vehicles because there will be a more convenient alternative. Its not going to happen overnight though and its unlikely to happen in my lifetime.
Car ownership will decline, especially amongst city dwellers, but its not going away completely.
Incidentally this is the thinking behind Marchionne's plans for FCA. He doesn't see mass produced, low end, cars as profitable. This is why all of the effort has been put in place to revitalise Alfa Romeo as a more premium brand. Car ownership will be a choice, and possibly a status symbol, going back to pre-WWII days perhaps, by those that can afford it. FCA is being positioned to be able to take advantage of this going forward.