The best era to have lived

[RTG]

If we could bump that up a couple of years and track down a 24 year old Ava Gardner I would ride along with you

I'll be your wing man on that. You have to beat Mickey Rooney to the punch.

 

[mdwest]

NOW!! Live everyday to the fullest...as if it is your last.....

This!

Life is what you make of it..

From a wealth and comfort perspective, the average American citizen has is MUCH better than any prior generation..

Think about it in these terms.. even our lower end of middle class.. have better access to medical care (and better medical care), better living accommodations, better access to global transportation, etc.. than even the wealthiest people just 100 years ago (there were some really damn hot summers and really damn cold winters experienced before anyone came up with the idea air conditioning and heat by any other source than a fireplace)..

Sure there is plenty to bitch out in today's world.. People are stupid (they weren't much better in the 70's were they?).. Governments are corrupt (they have been since the dawn of time)... Religious establishments have run off the rails (that's been going on since the dawn of time as well... Childrens Crusade and all... )..

Many folks dream of "simpler" times.. a less complicated life... etc..

Life is what you make of it.. most folks if they REALLY want simpler and less complicated, have the ability to achieve it.. but when you get down to brass tacks, don't want to give up the iPhone and internet (how would we access AH!?!?!? )... don't want to give up being able to hit the super walmart and pick up anything their hearts desire.. don't want to not be able to have Amazon deliver anything you couldn't find at Walmart the next morning (on your doorstep).. don't really want to have to go out and grow their own food, chop their own wood, etc..etc..

I have a plan to simplify my life in a few years.. we'll downsize our home, move out to the "country" on some acreage, not care if we don't see a Walmart for 10+ weeks at a time, etc..

But for now.. Im pretty amazed, and very satisfied with life in the 21'st century (I'd likely have never seen Africa, never walked Alexanders roads in SW Asia, never walked the Inca Trail in Peru, etc.. (or it all would have been MUCH more difficult).. and I would have likely sweated my oversized ass off laying in bed each summer at night here in TX... had I lived in the 19th century

 

[CoElkHunter]

More thoughts. My late coworker had told me he grew up in Northern Michigan in the late '40s. He remembered as a kid watching the men cut frozen blocks of ice from the local lake with chainsaws to use for refrigeration as they didn't have fridges. They would cover the blocks with sawdust to preserve them in their root cellars for use as long as they would last. My mom grew up in North Dakota in the bad old days of the '30s. She and her siblings were in HEAVEN when they received oranges in their Christmas stockings. My dad told me he remembered as a kid moving from Missouri to Californicate in 1941. They avoided the migrant camps along the way due to the "highwaymen" robbing migrants. They hired a man to back down the steep Oatman Pass (AZ into CA?) in reverse in their Ford Model A. Apparently, reverse was the strongest gear in those cars. Remember, there were no Interstate highways in the US until the late '50s early '60s, so transporting food and everything else could be quite a challenge at times. I'm mostly satisfied living in todays' world, but wouldn't mind having lived for a FEW months or a COUPLE of years during various times in the past.

 

[Rare Breed]

As opposed to the last thread that looked at the ideal age to be, this one is about the best time to have lived, somewhat similar and of course the circles overlap. To some the grand age of exploration of the latter 1800's with it's vast canvas and freedom to go wherever and do whatever was it, but of course it wasn't easy or quick to travel.
Then there is the early 20th century characterised by the ported safaris of the rich and famous, Rooservelt et al.
The 1950's rolled in with reliable air travel and capable vehicles and safari was now a thriving business that didn't require months of time. Nevertheless Africa was still blisfully open with few regulations. This was the Ruark and Selby era of perhaps a smaller canvas but better paints to colour it with.
The sixties through to the eighties were the age of conflict in Africa as it struggled through it's past and looked for it's future. Safaris still happened, but it was perhaps the age of the park wardens who grappled with adverse circumstances to hold it all together for the future, and what a magnificent job they did.
The nineties and 2000's have been a fairly tranquil era of easy travel and a burgeoning of the quick and affordable short safari. Almost any employed parson may be able to achieve their African dream with some saving.

For me it is clear, the 1950's were IT in every way. I was born then, but would have liked to have lived then, in East Africa or Southern Rhodesia with the established means to soak it all in. I still try!

I would have loved to hunt Africa during the Robert Rorah era which was my parents time. My all time favorite book Horn of the Hunter so speaks to me of the time to be in Africa

 

[Tanner Lee]

For me I think the ideal era to have lived would be 1865-1914. This era was the final height of the old world before it died in the trenches of the First World War.

During this time the world was open to explore and settle. There was so many unknowns and the world was open. Men like David Livingston, Teddy Roosevelt etc. all lived during this era.

While there is many different down sides to this era, I have always felt drawn to this era.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Most of you seem to feel that the here and now is just fine, but you would have loved to travel back to different eras for a while. Well, my friends, you pretty much can! Although they may be shrinking a bit, there are throwback places all over, like little villages in the Karoo, byegone rail trips, historic flights and cruise boats. Yes, it costs money, but then so does boring existance also.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Just one more thought - are we at or near the pinnacle of human existance? Think about it, right now you are holding in your hand the means to send a picture or a video to anyone on earth instantaneously, talk to them. You can run your business on safari. You have antibiotics and myriads of health enhancers besides. You can buy anything from anywhere and it just arrives.
Nostalgia is now a fine art, you can ring up provoking thoughts and travel the ether over a cup of coffee. Most important of all, you can search for and find the places to go and the things to do in the flesh. Today's currencies are time, money and personal energy.

 

[mdwest]

Most of you seem to feel that the here and now is just fine, but you would have loved to travel back to different eras for a while. Well, my friends, you pretty much can! Although they may be shrinking a bit, there are throwback places all over, like little villages in the Karoo, byegone rail trips, historic flights and cruise boats. Yes, it costs money, but then so does boring existance also.

Absolutely…

This is why I hiked the Inca trail rather than take a bus to Machu Piccu … why I visit old castles when in the UK… why I asked to be taken to a tribal village while in Tanzania… why I got out and checked out what’s left of the ruins of Babylon while in Iraq.. etc..

 

[Tanner Lee]

To answer your question about the pinnacle of human existence.

I personally don’t think we are at the pinnacle but we are definitely at a pinnacle.

What I mean by that is we are going to see many places in the world begin to decrease in population rather then increase in the next 100 years. At current projections. Places like Poland are suppose to half in population in the next few decades, if I remember right.

I think the demographic collapse of many places will set the world back for a while. Eventually I think we will have another great revolution, like the industrial, the technology etc.

Until that time we definitely are entering a pinnacle period and a period of decline.

That’s just my two cents about it.

 

[Safari Dave]

In the USA - 1950 to about 1964.



We we're at out best.


The most intelligent people were in charge of everything.


We could do almost anything.


I came along in 1965...

We did some great things shortly after that, but when we got involved in political wars, non-merit based federal government, corruption, etc.


It's obvious to me, that our best is behind us.



(When my kids see lunar landings as ancient history, I don't know how to convince them otherwise)

 

[cajunchefray]

Every Era has its ups and downs. I've often thought i would like to live in the 1920s or even the 1950s, but whenever I am tempted to wish, I think of all the old graveyards I've been to where there were many women who died in childbirth and infants who died before they were named. I live in the southern US, the 20s were great, but only if you were white. Comparison kills contentment and its human nature to long for more. This is good at times because that longing drives us to work hard, explore the world, build legacies and strive to lead our children to better. At times though this drive leads us to become workaholics. I'll take the current Era.

Well stated.

 

[Tanks]

Just one more thought - are we at or near the pinnacle of human existance? Think about it, right now you are holding in your hand the means to send a picture or a video to anyone on earth instantaneously, talk to them. You can run your business on safari. You have antibiotics and myriads of health enhancers besides. You can buy anything from anywhere and it just arrives.
Nostalgia is now a fine art, you can ring up provoking thoughts and travel the ether over a cup of coffee. Most important of all, you can search for and find the places to go and the things to do in the flesh. Today's currencies are time, money and personal energy.

We are nowhere near the pinnacle. Just look at the advances in technology in one's lifetime. And yes, with enough time and money one can still do anything one wishes.

 

[Jeff505]

It’s hard to say what is the best era to have lived, I’m in my 60’s and look back with awe to the wonderful childhood and ethics of traditional values of an era that has past. With each generation values and standards change. Technology, medicine and comforts improve life but often at the expense of traditional values. We often think that making life easier on our children and sparing them the hard falls in life is something positive, although with good intentions we take the ability to overcome hardships without consequences away from them. My many mistakes in life helped me to become and appreciate what I have today. Think about what is most important, what brings the most joy, what is the most satisfying and remember that what’s important does not change. This is God’s creation and he has allowed us to be a part of it, everything around us will falter and fail but truth shall ultimately prevail. We are on this sphere for a short time enjoy the magnificent of his creation and know that the best is yet to come.
i

 

[Hogpatrol]

This thread reminds me of the Willoghby episode on Twilight Zone.

A Stop at Willoughby - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[CBH Australia]

Oh, it's hard to say. I was born in 1972. Things have been pretty good but I like seeing some of the old world but realise life would have been harder. Everything was more labour intensive.

I like old stuff, I like old cars and appreciate anything old.

I like what's been said earlier, I like the time when women were ladies.

I'm old enough to have ridden on the back of a Land Rover and bought ammo without a licence as a kid.

I'm old enough to have seen computers introduced to the school system and just young enough to move with change.

I have a nostalgic feeling about the good old days and the traditional ways but young enough to enjoy tomorrow and some of the advancements

 

[Desperatezulu]

Just one more thought - are we at or near the pinnacle of human existance? Think about it, right now you are holding in your hand the means to send a picture or a video to anyone on earth instantaneously, talk to them. You can run your business on safari. You have antibiotics and myriads of health enhancers besides. You can buy anything from anywhere and it just arrives.
Nostalgia is now a fine art, you can ring up provoking thoughts and travel the ether over a cup of coffee. Most important of all, you can search for and find the places to go and the things to do in the flesh. Today's currencies are time, money and personal energy.

For the current set of values, the answer is probably yes.

Many economists and futurists are pointing out that the current generation of children will be the first generation in humankind to be poorer than their parents. I can see the logic in this, with all the woke, entitled, gender fluid, climate change drama at play - like our predecessors, we (I) don't subscribe to many of the new ways of thinking and doing but they may be proven right. But I am pretty sure they will be economically poorer for it if it plays out as they seem to wish. Values will evolve and I suppose those future generations will achieve greater pinnacles of existence than ours, according to what they value and cherish.

My own observation is that as we get older, nostalgia assumes greater significance as we yearn for things as we remember them, rather than lusting for the future. Maybe that's because at some point in the future each of us, with our amazing memories and achievements and contributions, will no longer be present!

 

[Tanks]

...
Many economists and futurists are pointing out that the current generation of children will be the first generation in humankind to be poorer than their parents. I can see the logic in this, with all the woke, entitled, gender fluid, climate change drama at play - like our predecessors, we (I) don't subscribe to many of the new ways of thinking and doing but they may be proven right. But I am pretty sure they will be economically poorer for it if it plays out as they seem to wish. Values will evolve and I suppose those future generations will achieve greater pinnacles of existence than ours, according to what they value and cherish.
...

That is on their parents and even grandparents though. If the parents abscond their responsibility as parents and leave it to others, including the media, then they can't complain about their kids.

When I first went to boarding school, I received a long-handwritten letter of advice and encouragement from my grandfather who had included Kipling's "If" in it (handwritten with a black fountain pen). That letter is still my most cherished possession 55 years later. I still tear up on the occasions that I reread it, as I still miss him. He was as old school as they come, I don't ever recall seeing him without a suit on at his home even in his 90s. He would be in his jodhpurs, shirt and jacket when riding around the farm as well. Late in the evening he would change into evening attire with a red silk "robe de chambre" for a nightcap before bed. We would sit in the library and talk. I never realized he was instilling values and morals with his stories until much later. When he passed my one request was that "robe de chambre". It is hanging in my closet.

That is what is missing in today's world for the most part. Parents and grandparents are failing their children.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Oh, it's hard to say. I was born in 1972. Things have been pretty good but I like seeing some of the old world but realise life would have been harder. Everything was more labour intensive.

I like old stuff, I like old cars and appreciate anything old.

I like what's been said earlier, I like the time when women were ladies.

I'm old enough to have ridden on the back of a Land Rover and bought ammo without a licence as a kid.

I'm old enough to have seen computers introduced to the school system and just young enough to move with change.

I have a nostalgic feeling about the good old days and the traditional ways but young enough to enjoy tomorrow and some of the advancements

@CBH Australia
Now I know why you and I get along.
It's because you like old stuff and I fall into that category .
Even when I finished school we didn't have computers we were lucky if you had a calculator and if you did you couldn't use it in exams and that was in '76.
Yes the world has changed but in some areas not necessarily for the better. Morals and values have changed and despite the best efforts of parents a lot of kids don't respect things that even your generation had respect for. Kids today seem to want things yesterday and fail to see the beauty in today. I think social media and influencers have a lot to do with it.
Bob

 

[Daveboone]

A lot of folks are decieved by thinking travel/ hunting, etc. was so much easier back in the day....
If you are talking hunting (which as an every man recreation, is only probably 150 years old or so) it was a pastime of only the wealthy for a very long time. Being able to take extended amounts of time off, steam ships, pack trains, etc. to reach huntable areas, etc. all a very expensive proposition. No one...Selous, Roosevelt, etc. came from a poor back ground.
In the US, huntable game populations are probably more widespread today than they were for the past 150 years. Access to healthcare far surpasses any time in history. Safe travel....crap, we traveled from Upstate NY to SA in eighteen hours!
That said, If I could have lived/experienced on particular area/ region in a particular time frame, I think it would probably have been India roughly c. 1870-1920. The Brits were firmly and safely in control, opportunities for work/ recreation/etc. were plentiful for a resourceful educated person. Game populations were high for anything from game birds to elephant/rhino/ tiger. Standard of living was on an opulent level giving the cost of living.
2nd up...Okay, right here and now. Travel is easier, safer and more reliable than ever. Life expenctancy longest in history. World wide hunting opportunities amazing, and huntable game even right here in NY greatest than I am sure it has been in almost two hundred years.

 

[Rare Breed]

As opposed to the last thread that looked at the ideal age to be, this one is about the best time to have lived, somewhat similar and of course the circles overlap. To some the grand age of exploration of the latter 1800's with it's vast canvas and freedom to go wherever and do whatever was it, but of course it wasn't easy or quick to travel.
Then there is the early 20th century characterised by the ported safaris of the rich and famous, Rooservelt et al.
The 1950's rolled in with reliable air travel and capable vehicles and safari was now a thriving business that didn't require months of time. Nevertheless Africa was still blisfully open with few regulations. This was the Ruark and Selby era of perhaps a smaller canvas but better paints to colour it with.
The sixties through to the eighties were the age of conflict in Africa as it struggled through it's past and looked for it's future. Safaris still happened, but it was perhaps the age of the park wardens who grappled with adverse circumstances to hold it all together for the future, and what a magnificent job they did.
The nineties and 2000's have been a fairly tranquil era of easy travel and a burgeoning of the quick and affordable short safari. Almost any employed parson may be able to achieve their African dream with some saving.

For me it is clear, the 1950's were IT in every way. I was born then, but would have liked to have lived then, in East Africa or Southern Rhodesia with the established means to soak it all in. I still try!

+1 Kevin. I too was born in the 50’s. Oh to have been able to hunt then!!!