I personally would consider 40k in cc debt alone a lot. I think other types of debt, such as cars, student loans, mortgages, are all relative to what you make and if you're living above your means. Some debt is necessary for most people at some point in their lives.
I really couldn't give you a number of what is "ok" debt and A LOT of debt. I guess for the most part, the smaller the number the better. I guess I have a different perspective now that I married DH and he brings about 12k of cc debt into the marriage. Before I would have probably been outraged and/or a little judgy if I heard of someone with that much cc debt, but now it's a part of our life and I just live with it as we pay it off asap.