Stress

Many people say that the current era is the most stressful of all time. I am inclined to agree.

Yet that does not mean that our lives are worse than before. This is the richest age in human history in economic terms, and never before have we enjoyed more comforts of life, freedom or access to education and opportunity. Hundreds of millions in the developing world have been lifted out of poverty and hunger, while the developed world is largely at peace, with few gunshots being fired.

But all of us are stressed. Why? Do we work harder than ever before? I doubt it, as workers of old were exploited for longer hours than today, with far less pay. Farmers of the past did backbreaking labor for 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, just to eke out a living from the meager soil. Slaves were whipped to death if they worked too slowly.

Looking closer to home, now the 5 day week is becoming increasingly the norm over the 6 day week, while living standards are steadily rising.

So why are we so stressed compared to the past? The answer is, because all of us now have a chance.

In the past if we were born in a poor village, the chances of making it were astronomically low. Born a peasant, stay a peasant. Born a noble, stay a noble. Both the haves and the haves not were stable in their position, hence those born in the lap of luxury could laze in glory, while those born to a harsh life were resigned to it.

Today things are different. A son of a poor family can grow up to shake the world, while the richest dynasties can fall from grace. Opportunity is everywhere, but we have to climb our way up. That generates the stress. So if you ask me would I want to go back to the old "relaxed" life where your destiny was largely set, my answer would be:

HELL NO.