Are we better off than ancient times?
Some people say that our lives are so much better than those of ancient people.It seems that we cannot fathom that people were happy in ancient times.
Actually,ancient people were happy.Ancient people were attuned to nature—the green mountains,the blue water,flying birds,and white clouds.They were carefree.They experienced a kind of liberation,existing in a realm in which one is attuned with heaven’s plan.
That was real happiness—deep,continuous,peaceful,and comfortable.Such happiness solidly nurtures one’s heart and body.
But modern people struggle painfully,stay busy,and never enjoy the happiness of reaching the other side of the mountain.Many modern people have lost human virtue,including prudence,diligence,tolerance,peacefulness,and courtesy.
Modern science strongly influences people.Today,people enjoy modern civilization while suffering from new diseases.The basis of modern science is direct observation.Founded on tangible objects that we can see,modern science applies qualitative and quantitative methods of examination.
Modern science furthers the destruction and pollution of our living environment and helps poison our bodies.In return,it gives people short-term pleasure.The inventions of modern science teach people to struggle for material goods,which they pursue for indulging themselves.
However,each generation does research to make life easier.Today we depend too much on hi-tech to do things for us.Most of the hi-tech gadgets depend on energy sent from satellites orbiting the earth.If a great solar storm does happen as predicted by NASA the hi-tech gadgets will be useless.Including GPS systems for air and land navigation.
Early generations did not depend on gadgets to do things for them.They made tools to build and repair,invented cutting tools that are called saws to cut trees.Although at first they were chopped down.If any of their tools broke,they made new ones using their minds and hands and not depend on computer run gadgets to do the jobs.
The answer is two sided.We have things today that could never be made without computers helping us along with robotic machines.But,once again they are powered by satellites.
Each generation tries to improve life for the future.