Observing trends, social behavior and adopted customs, I have come to the conclusion that in most cases, the more we seem to have is the less we seem to care about protecting what we have worked for, or have acquired.
Considering that we have more educated people today, some of who command good wages, and there is also widespread opportunity and we live in a climate that is conducive to relaxation and living, we have not only a good life but also a healthy one.
Many a visitor spends plenty of money to visit and share in our paradise, absorbing our way of life and trying to blend in, if only for a day.
Our beaches welcome more visitors than ourselves, our rivers, waterfalls and mineral baths attract more visitors than ourselves and while we talk about happiness, plenty still live in unhappiness and disappointment.
In the olden days, we had less money and material benefits but were contented with what we had. Most of our people, despite their class, had their own homes and almost nobody rented. Not everyone had a car or a big TV, but regardless of our living status, we lived in harmony and were very helpful to each other, we were respectful of the law and our elders and thanked God for what Nature had provided for us.
Our entertainment was produced and created by ourselves, and most men played their part as head of the household, while women cared for their children, their husband and extended family on both sides. It was common to have the man as the breadwinner and the ladies did whatever they had to do to ensure the children had food, clothing and a shelter, and a basic education.
Modern day gadgets were not known, having a bicycle or motorcycle would have been a luxury and dining in restaurants or resorts and hotels was unheard of. Yet, what bound us together was love, respect, apathy, consideration, plus the acknowledgement of our heritage and cultural behavior, our religion and our aspirations.
Whomsoever had a transportation was eager to offer a bystander a ride along the way; and in our homes the policy was cook more than you need, just in case a neighbor, family member, or stranger passed by, to share with them.
Children had full respect for their elders and their parents, and being spanked for mischievous behaviour occasionally was normal. There was always bartering, as one would exchange fish for ground provisions; and if a neighbour wanted to build a home, all in the community would pitch in and give their time and their services for free through a ‘coudmain’, or maybe for just a grog or a plate of food.
There were occasional skirmishes, but nobody had a gun with the intention of passing someone else out. In fact, the society was basically gun free – except for the few licensed to carry firearms.
I have said all that to offer you a glimpse of the past and hoping you would fast-forward and make comparisons with today.
Do any of the virtues of the past exist today? Can you get anything done for you in any way without paying for the service.
Was there substance abuse, or extreme gambling addictions as today, like now being part of our DNA? Was it not ‘home remedies’ we considered before heading to the doctor if you felt sick? Was it not a home-cooked meal that we all looked forward to on any given day?
To borrow from a financial institution, friend or family member was easy because someone cared about your plight and jealousy played almost no part in our everyday life, and everybody accepted their position in life.
So now, I dare to question if today’s living is progressive, or should we not take a page from our past?
After all, in life there are always lessons to be learnt.