In modern life, many try and hold onto what they’ve lost, yearning for a simpler and happier time in their lives, missing their current selves over a fascination with their past. This deep fascination with one's past ties directly into societal alienation and stagnation, with societies, especially in the west, becoming more and more individualistic. This indirectly teaches us that relationships operating on a purely transactional basis is a normal thing to happen. As this individualistic system divides people by its nature, it turns the question of "What can I do for you" into "What can I gain from you". This is not a recent phenomenon, as the concept of fiat currency goes back centuries, to the times of the ancient romans. Where this diverts from the norm, however, is through the exponentially increasing commodification of all faucets of daily life. This culture of overconsumption drives its members to endlessly purchase and consume products, without any though for where the product came from or where it’ll go after its usefulness has ended.
This way of viewing things, through this transactional lens, has I believe, led to an overall detrimental effect on society. as the bonds of community slowly loosen, people become more estranged from one another, as isolation and alienation drive people further apart.
I myself have seen these attitudes develop on my own street. A circuit of maybe 40 houses, with a reserve at the end, where kids would go to play and hangout until the streetlights came on. Pre lockdowns, I knew most of the front yards by who lived in them. The old man with his 2 terriers. The young family, who at the time had just moved in. This connection, whilst not deep, signified the underlying connections in community, that made it feel like it was full of life.
This is no longer the case.
Following the lockdowns, many now keep to themselves and choose to stay isolated. Particularly in the years following the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, in my observations in places all over Sydney, there has been quite a noticeable shift in the way people interact with one another, signifying the slow decline of genuine relationships between non-close friends. As this decline progresses further, we should not attempt to hold onto what little we have left. While yes, we should mourn this invaluable loss to this landmark of social cohesion, it would be silly to mope about longing for the ‘good old days’.
No.
Instead, take away what we can and focus this energy towards growth and renewal, working to foster new relationships with others. By forging these strong and genuine relationships, we as a society can grow to new heights and maintain a strong and effective local community.
Modern life indirectly teaches us that relationships operating on a purely transactional basis is a normal thing to happen. As systems inherently drive people apart, we should focus outward in community turn "What can I gain from you" into "What can I do for you".