Much Ado about “Good Old Days”
We all know that change is the only constant force in our universe. Many of us could not resist to changes as readily as some of us do thereby, arises the much clichéd phrase, “good old days.” Yes, I agree that we miss the old style of living. We must also appreciate the modern style of living. In the modern world, man has become flexible enough to address complex issues he faces. I am a person who believes modernity is not as bad as it is interpreted. This blog highlights some of the issues in which many of us including me think olden days were better than the present when it is actually not.
Human beings give a lot of importance to health. In most languages, enquiring after someone is a common form of greeting an individual. We often hear that our ancestors lead a healthy life. This notion could be easily defeated by a fact that India’s life expectancy has almost doubled since independence (from 33% in 1947 to 65.8% in 2013- UN Human Development Report). Almost all countries in the world follow such increasing trend. Other health factors such infant mortality, death rate, birth rate etc. also show a favourable trend.
Food is another topic where many of us would argue that our ancestors ate organic food. It is true that green revolution in India has increased usage of pesticides and harmful chemicals but one must not forget that it fed millions of poor in our country. Modernity has also given the solution for infuse of chemicals in our food by the introduction of organic farming that is capable of yielding better harvest. Yes, the food prepared at fast food restaurants is alarmingly unhealthy. But, restaurants such as subways and some vegan restaurants throng our cities to offset our fears.
Another common complaint about modern days is that we have ill-treated our mother nature by polluting it. Here again, good things come at price. Think practically. How many of us could do without vehicles or even air-conditioners in places like the Middle East? Yes, we do pollute our nature. But how many of us appreciate our government’s effort to curb it? It is an interesting and encouraging fact that there is a net afforestation in India evident by increase in number of tigers in our forests. Also, government encourages investment in renewable energy such as wind power and solar power. Modernity also addressed this issue by introducing power efficient and eco-friendly vehicles such as battery powered car.
In politics, we see people complaining about rising terror and nuclear threat. But a careful analysis of the past will show how lucky we are to live in a safer part of the world. Just a glance through the world wars, the holocaust, racial discrimination, dictatorial regimes, monarchy and imperialism across the world; and Jallianwala Bagh, caste discrimination (untouchability) and related violence, gender bias, domestic violence and Indo-Pak partition violence in India will make us openly agree that today’s world is much safer. One thing (and the only thing) I like about globalization is that it makes countries dependent on each other and thereby eliminating wars. If not for globalization and trade, will India ever announce Pakistan its most favoured nation (MFN) status?
In terms of upbringing of a child, I too have complaints about modernity. Our children unfortunately lose team work and interpersonal skills that they acquire by playing with others. But there is a small respite. Such inadequacy leads to the growth of new age schools focusing more on such skills. It is true that kids miss some fortunes that we had during our childhood but there are a lot more that we missed during our childhood.
Ambitious people look at the promising future and the wise base their past to decide things. Therefore, many of us always disregard our present. But taking a moment and appreciating our present makes us observe things around us and thus increases our spiritual awareness. A good control of our present leads through a successful future or as my theist friends put it, decides our fate. Therefore, enjoy yourself now. These are the good old days you will cherish in the future.