Post #213044 by Mai Tai on Mon, Feb 6, 2006 5:50 PM

My dad and my uncle, who are both big reminiscers, and very much into things of the past, still say that the "Golden Years" weren't in the past, they are right now - a big surprise for me to hear them say that. They both feel that although there were some great things in the past, some of the things that still endure to this day, like hunger, disease, and a poor job economy, just to name a few, were worse then than they are today. There will be huge strides in medicine within our lifetimes, that will revolutionize people's lives (although sadly will come at a date that will be too late for some).

Although some of the things from the past were better, like the amount of design and craftsmanship that went into products, etc., and although I love technology from the past, like vinyl records, tube based electronics, and cars made out of thick steel that use carburetors and distributors, I also love some of the modern conveniences of today. Combine that with an overall higher standard of living, and I'll take today over the past anytime! But the best part of it all is, we live in a world where we can have both! Buy those old vinyl records! Keep on gettin' those vintage tiki mugs! Proudly display an old console stereo, whether it's hi-fi, or just plays 78's! Just don't forget to tell your friends, and your children, and grandchildren, where these things came from, and how important these things from the past were in helping to shape the world of today!