Thinking Through Eras
One interesting thing about life is how different eras exist. It probably wouldn't have been this interesting if there were a flow of one kind of era all through history. Technology could be said to be a defining tool for the differences in these eras and the variations in experience. I guess that could be true. Eras from now will tell a different story as per the effort and actions of technology.
So, which era had it best, looking back at history and now? I can't tell much about past eras as I didn't have the living experience. For what it's worth, I have real-life stories, history and documented information to say some things about them which I guess suffices to some extent to make a conclusion on which era is best since I have the experience of the present era. And for me, it's a two-sided coin.
I won't get so overwhelmed by the availability and wonder of technology to say this era is the best. With the goodness of technology comes destructive effects as well. There's something our parents and older ones do say; that we don't know how good we had it with the privilege of technology. I think they neglect the effects. Which is why I considered that they didn't know how good they had it too because the world is more toxic now than ever.
Beyond technology, there are other factors to consider. In past eras, through history, life was simpler, more humanity existed and people were more genuine. My parents would tell stories of how things were then and it sounded unbelievable that such ever happened. There was a level of honesty, hospitality, decency, dignity of labour and a lot more. Maybe because the world wasn't this insecure. Not to say there weren't some bad sides. Oh, there were.
Some inhumane practices existed with little to no laws against them. This level of technology and all the good that comes with it wasn't there. People were naturally disposed to some actions and practices that didn't sit well, though considered part of their culture and more. Access to health care, education and some form of needs for a better life was out of place or provided with discrimination. And more to say.
Back to this era, we undoubtedly enjoy sophisticated technology which has made life better. We could do a lot more with less time and effort. Machines have made life easier and it keeps getting easier, now even with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI). There's access to better health care, education, information, resources and a lot more that makes it easy to say this is the best era. But, is it?
As I mentioned, the world is more toxic now than ever. The very things that make this era wonderful and appealing seem to destroy it. There's little to no effort at things that matter, gross level of laziness, unhealthy interests and lifestyles. Talk of the decline of morality, decency, humanity and the like. There's no shame for some things again. Things that were despicable now have euphemistic undertones. And much more to say.
With all that, I don't think it's about which era is the best. It's about considering and appreciating each era, picking from each and balancing things up in our world today. Beyond this sophisticated technology, every era is unique and wonderful, with its good and bad sides.