Posted by IsoM on January 7, 2002, at 0:18:15
In reply to Re: Previous Life Expectancies » bob, posted by Jane D on January 6, 2002, at 23:27:12
My 2¢ worth only, but in reading about history, other cultures, & the rise of depression...
We tend to think that that way we view life is the way other cultures throughout the world & throughout time have viewed life. The quality & pursuit of happiness are relatively modern concepts. Yes, happiness was always something nice to have but few except the wealthy or privileged classes had the chance to achieve it. The average person working & struggling to survive under some pretty adverse conditions, at most times, was too busy with the rigours of everyday life.
Even nowadays, in places where life is hard & difficult, little thought is given to whether they're happy. Life is filled with duties & work. Happiness is derived from being around family & community as one works through each day. Happy times were to be savoured during weddings, births, & holidays - it wasn't thought to be necessary in everyday life.
I believe that with the more leisure time we have available now, we also have the time to reflect on our lives & inner thoughts. Depression is fairly acceptable now - we don't lock up people in asylums anymore. How many of us would admit to depression if we thought our only choice was to be locked away in an asylum like they used to be?
Even in other parts of the world where there was never thought to be much depression, rates for people afflicted with depression are rapidly rising as they, too, develop more leisure time & desire this "happiness" in their lives too. I think it's always been with us but in past generations, we've never had the luxury of stating it & having others understand us as we do now.
As I said, my 2¢ only.
poster:IsoM
thread:88953
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020103/msgs/89137.html