I admit nostalgia, not for some past I never knew but for my experiences in the Machine Age, experiences I admit I actively chasing so I could know it. Race cars, aircraft, trains real & modelled, bikes, the culture of arms, mechanical engineering, I enjoyed myself immensely, though that is not to say every day was a holiday; some were really bad but I can say I had a lifetime's experiences far more varied than so many folks I know.
When nostalgia becomes dangerous is when it is regret, an old man's regret for opportunities missed and things never tried become a resentment of those whose life still lies before them.
Even more dangerous is when nostalgia is all one has. That point in life when people get so fossilised of mind they stop learning, stop trying new things, stop evolving, yes even stop thinking. I see that in the crowd over on MTJ just as you do on WoS; some days the fossilised thinking angers me and some days I feel very sorry for them. When the world passes you by and you no longer give a shit to keep up and learn, you're ready to die.
That isn't to say one should embrace every change, but you are useless if you aren't open to at least listening to new ideas anymore. That is perhaps our biggest generational failing today.
Message Thread
« Back to index