Was the World a Better Place When You Were Young: A Reflection

Have you ever found yourself asking, 'Was the world a better place when you were young?' The answer, for me, is a resounding 'yes.'

Retaining the Essence of Niceness Through History

It appears that, in the part of the country where I am from, there was a certain amount of niceness that persisted. However, evilness has also persisted throughout history, albeit in different forms. Feudalism was once rampant, followed by extreme sexism and misogyny. More recently, we have been grappling with cyberbullying and bigotry. Yet, despite the darker aspects of humanity, the world has seen significant progress and improvement.

Medical Progress as a Sign of Improvement

One of the most noticeable forms of progress is in the realm of medical advancements. By definition, these improvements make today significantly better than yesterday. Whenever I hear someone expressing nostalgia for the past or claiming that their economically less developed homeland offers more meaning in life, I often consider the benefits of medical progress. These advancements have led to longer lifespans, reduced mortality rates, and a better quality of life.

Retro Reflections on Youth

As a child, I watched news channels like Cronkite report on the ongoing wars. It was beyond me what it all meant, but I understood that it involved violence and guns. This made the nightly news a form of entertainment, albeit one filled with somber events. After the war, the Watergate scandal took over the airwaves, dramatically reducing the number of shows and displacing even cartoons like Gilligan's Island and F Troop. Despite the limited options, there were still moments of joy, like noticing Richard Nixon's daughter in the background of the news report. At that young age, she was considered quite attractive.

Economic and Social Changes

Life was certainly more challenging back then. For instance, we often had to queue for hours just to get petrol. When OPEC cut off supplies, it pushed fuel prices to sky-high levels. Every aspect of life became more expensive, from basic foods to daily conveniences. For example, McDonald's had to remove sugars from their products to prevent theft. Additionally, the air and interiors of tunnels were contaminated with lead from the gasoline. This not only affected car engines but also caused cognitive issues and increased fistfights on the street, as law enforcement did little to intervene.

Embracing Change and Progress

However, the passage of time brought about positive changes. President Reagan introduced the 'Trickle Down Theory' of economics, which led to the rise of the term 'homeless person.' This was a stark contrast to the past, where homelessness was not a common societal issue. Additionally, the Iran-Contra scandal revealed a darker side of presidential power. Despite these challenges, we now live in a world that has benefited from significant progress. It's encouraging to see technological advancements, the internet, and social media, which have connected people all over the globe.

Conclusion: A World Meeting in Iceland

When you consider Iceland, a country known for its progressive policies and high standard of living, you can see the world in a new light. Today, you can easily purchase one-way tickets to Iceland from almost anywhere. This shows that the world is becoming more interconnected, capable, and hopeful. While the past may have been fraught with challenges, it also laid the foundation for the advancements and opportunities we enjoy today.