We love our cable! The best price I could get here was $45/month for Dish Network, and I would cut it if needed, but as long as we have the means, we find it very enjoyable.
As for the alleged brain-rotting from TV, I don't buy it. You can watch mindless confections or informative programming. Or you can find a healthy balance between the two and be happy!
The same could be said for any type of diversion--you can read Archie Comics or Tolstoy. You can listen to Miley Cyrus or Vivaldi. You can play Hungry, Hungry Hippos or championship-level chess. There's room for everything.