The modern world we live in moves faster than ever before. The internet, smart phones, tablets and gaming consoles all connect us in new and exciting ways, opening a new universe for us to explore.
Beyond the limitless information, entertainment and social networking possibilities however, it would seem that modern society’s fast paced ways have put a luxury price on things like manners and patience and a desire to understand respect those around us.
Partially this can be blamed on the “now” attitude we all seem to carry with us daily.
Advertisements for all manner of wares have been pushing this concept at us for decades. Words like “fast, quick, easy and simple” dominate our daily lives. Of course, who can forget the ever important “act now!” that accompanies every late night infomercial from vacuum powered do-it-yourself hair cutting kits (yes, it did exist, it was called the Flowbee, can still be found online and is made in Corpus Christi) and ridiculous robes that make us look like Druids that support the Longhorns.
Thing is, Humanity is not easy or simple in it’s diverse complexity of daily activities and how those activity’s force us to interact with others. Sadly, this leads to confrontations that are as unproductive as they are damaging. Simple ignorance of the fact that everything around us has a soul has lead us down a path where we place a premium on lofty expectations and turn a blind eye to the most simplest ways to improve our daily lives.
Some blame such changes on inventions like the smart phone and video gaming’s popularity but at one time they thought TV might change us all into mindless idiots…wait a minute, hold that thought.
Although we could definitely debate till infinity that the rise of the television has lead to some very bad consequences socially and otherwise, I find it hard to blame the car for running off the road when a person was behind the wheel.
A bad workman always blames his tools and in the case of our understanding of those around us, we are at times very bad workmen indeed. However, besides the gloom and doom there is something we all can do every single minute to have a positive impact on this issue.
Think.
It’s all those words we love to hear: “Quick, easy, simple and fast.” We have the world’s most perfect computer right in our own skulls, no Wi-Fi connection required. Just think before you act, put yourself in the other person’s shoes before you are so quick to ignore or dismiss, label or condemn.
I can hear a few sighs out there from those reading who know this is true but feel daunted at the weight of the outside world that is set in its ways and the scoffs from those who think I am peddling snake oil in a storm.
However, I’m not saying the next time you head to the store for a loaf of bread or milk, you hug the cashier and tell her how special she is (a matter of fact, I do not recommend this at all, it may be construed wrongly) nor am I saying that if you put a smile on your face tomorrow morning your boss will not suck, your legs will not ache or your car will stop making that funny ticking sound.
What I am saying is that if we all just tried a bit of patience, understanding and acknowledgment of our fellow men and women the world might just be a little bit better off besides.
