Rather than simply filling spaces with light, as in the past, we need lighting that takes into account the strengths and weaknesses of the human visual system. The more light you have, the more you need. An outdoor light fixture that scatters light everywhere is as wasteful as running your air conditioner with the windows open. Now, even the stars are an endangered species. Increasingly, the most important equipment needed to enjoy the wonders of the night sky is an automobile with a full tank of gas and a map.
Glare is never good.
The night sky is an important part of our natural heritage. Half of our world is above the horizon. The good news is I can explain the principles of good outdoor lighting to you in a few minutes. The bad news is once you understand these principles, almost everything you see out there is wrong. One unshielded security light seen from a mile away is many times brighter than the brightest stars in the night sky.