While many people marvel at the comforts and technological advances that modern life offers, some are starting to question the paradoxical nature of the modern world. So, is modern life genuinely better, or is it essentially harder and more complicated? Let’s delve into various aspects of life to find the answer to this question.
A few generations ago, we might think that life was simpler. Opportunities like going to school, becoming a doctor, or a police officer were fewer because these kinds of possibilities were generally limited. People mostly worked in jobs requiring physical labor, and technology hadn’t evolved enough to simplify various aspects of life.
The modern world, particularly due to rapid advancements in technology, has greatly changed this situation. Now, many people can work remotely, and there are various career paths available in numerous sectors. But do these advancements genuinely make our lives better?
While technology and modern conveniences make some aspects of our life more comfortable, they can make other aspects more complicated and stressful. Yes, perhaps we can work from home as a software developer, but this situation can lead to new stress sources like the need for constant connectivity, disruption of work-life balance, and digital surveillance.
Economic growth and inflation create another contradiction of the modern world. Overall, people seem to be earning more money, but the cost of living is also rising. This situation reveals what some call an ‘illusion’: we earn more, but we can buy less.
Additionally, the complexity of modern life elevates our expectations and anxieties. Specific life goals, like owning a home, owning a car, or going on a vacation, have become indicators of “success” for many people. Not being able to reach or having to postpone these goals can lead to stress and anxiety.
The “illusion” of modern life lies right here. Yes, our lives have become more comfortable and technologically advanced. However, these advancements don’t mean that our living conditions are generally better. On the contrary, many people miss the simpler and perhaps more satisfying lifestyle of old times due to the stress and challenges of the modern world.
Yet, this situation doesn’t mean that modern life is entirely bad or that we need to revert to old times. On the contrary, understanding and accepting the complexity and challenges of modern life allows us to deal with it more effectively. Setting fewer materialistic goals for ourselves, using technology more consciously, and taking steps to preserve our work-life balance can help us cope with the stress and difficulties of modern life and maintain a more satisfying and balanced lifestyle.
In conclusion, modern life can be an “illusion” in many respects. However, understanding and accepting this illusion enables us to deal more effectively with it and make the most of the opportunities the modern world offers. As always, maintaining a balanced lifestyle and understanding our needs and values will always be the best way forward.