Every winter, just when it’s at its coldest, the furnace seems to malfunction. I’ve written about this before, and I might again—it’s a recurring theme, like how Benjamin Franklin famously noted that “nothing is certain except death and taxes.” I’d add, “and a broken furnace in winter.”
Lately, I’ve been curious about modern life—not just as a period in history, but as a lifestyle and our unique connection with technology and nature. Winter brings these thoughts to the forefront. There’s something about the relentless cold outside and the warmth indoors that affects not just our environments but also our mood. It’s a time for reflection, whether we’re looking for it or not.
We all do it; we forget the struggles of the past. Life nowadays, especially in modern countries, can be so comfortable that we stop thinking about what it was like before we had all this ease. It’s fascinating to see how people who immigrate from less affluent places often lose that memory of hardship within a decade. Perhaps, in earlier times, death was a more present reality, and that kept gratitude alive. Now, it feels almost second nature to overlook our blessings.
The Reality Check
Many can’t survive without a well-insulated home or reliable transportation. In the colder regions, like tonight with forecasted temperatures of ten degrees below zero, modern comforts are not just luxuries; they’re essential.
It’s easy to take for granted. Just adjust the thermostat, and the furnace kicks in. Want it cozy at 67 degrees? No problem—until it suddenly stops working. Then, the house gets chilly, the workspace becomes unusable, and the comfort of heating is a distant memory. This frustrating experience quickly shifts our perspective.
But this isn’t really just about furnaces or cold winters. It’s a reminder of how easily we overlook the advantages of our modern existence.
Acknowledging the Gifts
Medicine is probably the most glaring example of this. Countless lives would be lost without it. Imagine surgeries without anesthesia or the inconvenience of uncorrected vision. It’s not a pretty picture.
And think about everyday conveniences, like email. Sure, we might grumble about the postal service, but in many corners of the world, a functional mailing system is a dream. I have a friend in Africa working on a U.S. embassy, and he shared how the local postal system is practically non-functional. Here, we send packages and trust they’ll arrive. It’s a small miracle that often goes unappreciated.
Finding Balance
Transportation is another arena where modernity shines. I could romanticize horse-drawn carriages, but I’d rather hop in a car or board a train. Sure, they have their charm, but modern speed is undeniable—it’s an essential element of daily life.
Lately, there seems to be a rising backlash against modern conveniences. I get it; some advancements can feel destructive instead of beneficial. But turning our backs on all that’s modern seems misguided. We don’t really want to return to, say, the year 1198 or even 1598. Honestly, I’d settle for the late ’90s, before things got so complicated.
So, instead of abandoning modernity, maybe we should focus on refining it. Embrace the blessings it offers without being naive. It’s about being grateful yet cautious, acknowledging the good while remaining aware of the pitfalls. If we can do that, we might not just sustain a modern world but reshape it for the better.
