LET’S EMBRACE THE PRESENT AND LOOK FONDLY TOWARD THE FUTURE
Why is it that, despite all the social and technological advancements giving us a life our ancestors couldn’t even imagine, we still idealize the past? It’s a strange contradiction: we live in a privileged era compared to any other time in history—better healthcare, easier access to information, more opportunities for self-expression—and yet, we often long for those “simpler times.”
Part of it might be nostalgia, that warm and cozy filter our brain uses on the past, making us remember the good while conveniently forgetting the struggles. Think about it: we picture medieval castles without considering the stench of the streets or the lack of basic medicine. Or we reminisce about the carefree and colorful ‘80s, ignoring the economic crises and social issues of the time.
Another reason? The human tendency to resist change. Even though history shows constant progress, change can feel chaotic, and looking back gives us the illusion of stability. The irony is, those “good old days” we idealize were also filled with fears, challenges, and complaints.
The truth is, as humans, we struggle to embrace the present. We either glorify the past or obsess over the future, often forgetting to appreciate the privileges and advancements we have now. Maybe the real challenge isn’t to stop longing for the past but to stop missing the opportunities of the present while we do it.
- Relax, trust me. I’m here to save you.