Lessons from the Past Century: Reclaiming Life's Joy

Lessons from the Past Century: Reclaiming Life's Joy – A Three-Step Guide

In today's fast-paced world, we are constantly connected, ready to answer a call or message at any moment. This perpetual state of availability has led to a loss of the "disconnection" that some find soulful. A trial of leaving one's smartphone behind can provide a unique experience of slowing down time without social media.

The act of scrolling through an endless feed on modern phones does not add color to everyday life. In contrast, the 20th century was characterised by a variety of colours and shapes in cars, giving a joyful and optimistic feeling. However, white, black, and gray cars sell better and are cheaper to produce, leading to the dominance of these colours in modern car design.

The convenience of modern phones has led to a loss of the charm and unique feelings associated with older phones. The act of dialing a rotary phone and hanging up the receiver was accompanied by unique feelings and sounds, such as the rough surface of the plastic and the click of the receiver. Similarly, the act of opening and closing a flip phone was a unique feeling that is no longer present in modern phones.

The trend towards uniformity in car colours and shapes was caused by a fear of risk in manufacturing and consumer preference for cheaper, easier-to-produce cars. This trend is not limited to cars; today's phones are perceived as black holes for attention, consuming it in spare moments without providing a break.

The convenience of streaming music has also led to a loss of engagement in the listening experience. Algorithms in music streaming services prioritise efficiency over engagement, potentially ruining the meaning of the listening experience. In contrast, vinyl records require more engagement due to the process of playing them, enhancing the listening experience.

Surrounding oneself with items that have a strong personality can help brighten up the monotony of everyday life. This can be seen in the new life of trash, where repurposing junk leads to beautiful and useful creations. The key companies and individuals who significantly influenced the development of modern, minimalist, and fast products in the 2000s include Franke, known for innovative kitchen appliances with sleek, minimalist design and intuitive touch controls, combining aesthetics with functionality.

Practicing a digital "detox" by taking a break from one's smartphone can help when the world feels like it's losing its reality and time is passing too quickly. Adding more aesthetics to one's life, such as through a hobby, can help if one's days feel meaningless. Old cars were perceived as having a soul due to their unique designs, while modern cars are often seen as faceless and lacking character.

In conclusion, while modern technology offers convenience, it is essential to remember the charm and unique feelings associated with older technologies. Embracing a digital detox and adding more aesthetics to one's life can help bring a sense of soul and meaning back into our daily routines.