ARE WE HAPPIER THAN OUR FOREFATHERS

ARE WE HAPPIER THAN OUR FOREFATHERS

Life today is governed by the offshoots of science. We have many new comforts of life that our forefathers did not possess. Should we jump to the conclusion that we are really happier than our forefathers were? It is a very puzzling question. Let us first see what kind of life they led.

The world of our forefathers was different from that of today. They lived in villages. Scientific inventions were not made. There were no planes, no cars, movie, radio etc. Television and telephones were not invented. There was no electricity so they were deprived of all those comforts which we now enjoy with the help of electricity. They moved in the jolting, slow-moving carts or carriages. The life was simple. They were engaged in tilling the soil for a living. They got their daily needs easily. They had plenty of every thing. There were many cool and sheltered spots for innocent pleasures. They took active part in all sorts of simple and innocent games. Contentment and happiness prevailed there.

In our modern age, life- is full of comforts and luxuries. We wonder how our forefathers lived without them. These are the blessings of science. We can travel in railways, ships, motor cars and airplanes. The old days of trouble and difficulties have come to an end. In every walk of life we have begun to use electricity. Medical science has done great service to man. Even the most serious diseases are cured very easily. When we are tired by the day’s hard work, radio and television provide us nice recreation. We have comfortable homes, fine schools, hospitals and many other amenities of life.

We still feel doubtful if we are really happier than our forefathers. Material civilization has, no doubt, made a wonderful stride but the moral development of man or moral values has been totally neglected. It has nothing to do with happiness, goodness, beauty, courage, adventure justice, friendship, love of family, love of country etc. All these values are necessary for a happy life. Scientific development has out-stripped our spiritual or moral progress. I am of opinion that a balance should be maintained. The existing condition without a masks our lives miserable with a horrible future.

We live in an age when men admire riches more than spiritual power, and long for luxury of the body than the peace of mind. This age of materialism will never be happy till men pay more attention to the old values taught by our forefathers. True happiness is a state of the mind, can better be attained in the cottage than in the king’s palace