November 29, 2013 by

Humans are biased creatures. We’re also resilient, able to recall good memories more easily than bad ones. With those two things comes the mentality of thinking that whatever came before is better than what currently is even if that’s not the case. There will always be better and worse things when you compare different eras. People have probably been accusing the current generation of kids of being doomed for decades now. That’s just how it goes.

Kiera randomly provided me with a link that actually showcased this. She had no idea I was writing a blog about this, which made it a happy coincidence.

Just look at the very first one there:

“The art of letter-writing is fast dying out. When a letter cost nine pence, it seemed but fair to try to make it worth nine pence. … Now, however, we think we are too busy for such old-fashioned correspondence. We fire off a multitude of rapid and short notes, instead of sitting down to have a good talk over a real sheet of paper.”

That was written in 1871. It was a complaint even then that people didn’t take enough time to put effort into a letter to someone because it had become easier to do so. Imagine how that same person would feel 142 years later in our current technological world. We can communicate instantaneously with people all across the planet. And you know what? That’s pretty damn awesome. It’s not a flaw. Sure, there are always going to be downsides to things, and I think we all know the internet comes with some caveats, but the benefits far outweigh the negatives.

Another one:

“There was never an age in which so many people were able to write badly.” That was in 1891. Now imagine that person coming across the internet. Lol.

I understand why someone would think it’s a bad thing for stuff to be so convenient, such as how quickly we can obtain information. Some people don’t bother retaining said information because they know they can just look it up whenever they forget. But on the flip side, people can more easily learn about subjects they’re interested in due to how much is out there. They can find out things they never would have otherwise, and that’s always a positive.

How about cell phones? It could be said that people are always texting and talking, which can be detrimental (especially when it distracts from activities such as driving and working). On the other hand, they can be crucial in an emergency and in social situations.

I think we all know the good and bad sides of cars and being able to travel in general as we please.

The list goes on.

Maybe simpler times were, in fact, simpler and more peaceful in ways. But they also came with burdens that people today don’t have to worry about as much, like in regard to medicine. So, sure, maybe you prefer some of the games or shows or movies or music or whatever else of a previous era. That’s all fine. Just don’t miss out on the good that can be enjoyed now because you’re too busy reliving the past. Stop thinking about the good old days and simply think about the good days.

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