I was walking through the library where I work earlier today when this book waiting to be shelved caught my eye. It may be difficult to believe in our polarized and confusing historical moment that by most cultural indicators the world has been getting better now for decades. Steven Pinker for one has written extensively on this, in his book The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined. Look back at what the world was like in the years before the assassination of Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in June 1914, or the influenza pandemic that occurred during and just after the war. Of course saying this is not to be pollyannish; our world has serious problems that will not be going away entirely anytime soon. And terrible things can happen when one least expects. Still, we must remember our blessings as we can.
One author’s take on The Good Old Days
30 Monday Apr 2018
Posted in Memory
The Strawfoot 
During an interview, TV reporter asked me if I would liked to have lived one hundred years ago in my grandparents’ time. I said, “Well, for one thing, I wouldn’t have made it to the age I am now.” My major surgeries would not have been possible then. I do love their expressions, their simpler schedules, and even their ladies’ fashions. Needless to say I would like to have met the people of that time.
Margaret, thanks for the comment. Indeed, we take modern medicine, dentistry, and so much else for granted. I too would love to have met the people of one hundred years ago as well. It takes a leap of imagination to put ourselves in their shoes and see things from their perspective, to the extent we can.
I hope all has been well. I’ve been putting the final touches on the book, btw. A few people read it in April and gave me some input. I’m going to send it to some prospective publishers by the end of the month.