While on vacation in London, England I got into a conversation with a street preacher.
He started giving me the usual "this world is going to hell" speech how the modern world and big cities are so godless, spiritually "crushing" and without firm morals and tradition. He wished for an old-fashioned, small-town life- the kind his grandparents once had, and wished we could all go back to that kind of life.
Although I understand and agree with some of his position, I think modern
big-city life is better overall. Mainly beause of this:
In the old days, your social and mental foundations were all set up for you:
you'd come from a Christian background with strong moral values, everyone
abides by the same rules, you'd live close to your family your whole life, and
carry on the family farm or general store after your parents died.
A safe and secure system, sure, but at a price- there's much less room for
initiative. There's always a chance you may not agree with what you're given.
City life, on the other hand, is full of choice.
There is a hell of a lot more insecurity and uncertainty, but this system can
make you a better person. In the modern world, we have almost nothing handed to us and no foundations so it requires YOU to take the initiative.
If you want to have a full life and something true to believe in, you actually
have get your hands dirty: to go out, experience, try new things and wade
through all the shit to get what you want.
You can have almost any lifestyle you choose in this world: punk culture,
hippie culture, Western religions, Eastern religions, drug culture, paganism, raves, anarchy, communes, (hell, there's even the Amish if you're so
inclined).
There's a lot out there. You only have to go out and obtain it.
In the end, the only people who will be truly "crushed" by modern society are
those who are too ignorant or lazy to find their own way.
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