On nostalgia

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Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
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#1
Do you hang round people who are older than you?
I dont like to do it too much cos sometimes they start saying stuff like 'in my day we....' or 'remember when ....' and you are like I wasnt even born back then or no, I don't remember cos I wasnt there.

I have noticed that sometimes my older friends on facebook start ranting and raving about how things arent like how they used to be and how young people these days are ignorant etc. Its really starting to annoy me. And its not like they can do anything about it, cos times change!

What is the deal with all this nostalgia and looking back. You cant go back to how things used to be you've got to live in thee present as you cant change the past.

I dont want to be the person in ten years time pining for the days when I could do whatever it is I do now. That would make me feel old. And right now im not lamenting the days of my youth either, as I dont remember them that well and to be honest they werent THAT great. I think times are better now it depends on how you look at things. Im not depending on the govt to fix things, only God stays the same yesterday, today and forever.

Your thoughts?
 

ArtsieSteph

Senior Member
Apr 1, 2014
6,194
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Arizona
#2
I think it’s kinda human nature really. People always assume that “their time” was the best time; that there was less crime and less corruption, ect. Perhaps, or perhaps you were a child and didn’t actually see what bad was going on. Granted there are definitely issues that didn’t exist 50 some years ago, and heck yeah I’d love to live in an era where you could buy food for like 10 cents.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,453
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#3
Do not take this as I am unhappy or not at peace but I have seen wickedness upon wickedness since as early as I recollet, and that would be in the lat 1940's to now. The world is wicked and always has been.

Having mentioned this truth, there have been wonderful people and experiences during this time also, but seeing so many seemingly decent folks not accepting the Gospel of Jesus, Yeshua, is very sad, and demonstrates just how deceitful this ag and this world is.

As for recalling good times, when the young people are no longer young, they too will recall good times.

I do have one beef about the present world and its adopted cusstoms and that ishow man has been permitted to practically destroy all nutrition in most foods. Older people have always point out this ongoing trend of the business of food supply but today most do not……...I will continue to note it andmention it when appropriate. God bless all in Jesus Christ, Yeshua, and all who will be, amen.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
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#4
I think its good to recall good times, but i think nostalgia somehw makes it seem like evrythig was good when it wasnt, or you can only talk about it with other people who experienced the same. What is the point of being nostalgic with people who dont share it. . Like you could be recalling how good say, the Beatles were, and a young person wouldnt even know what you are talking about oh sure the Beatles, who are they? And they would be thinking I dont know what the big deal is, cos when they see people go crazy over a boy band its actually just hormones as the music, actually isnt THAT great. Its really just like all other boy bands that sold a lot of music and were wildly popular.

Just as an example.

As for inflation, well, not much anyone can do about that unless you are the head honcho at the federal reserve.

I think its one thing to always point out what is wrong with todays world, but another to actually DO something about it. Food for example, you can grow your own and work organically to bring fertility to the soil without using chemicals and degrading agricultural practices. It takes a bit of time and effort but there are ways to do it and thats what you need to DO and lobby for rathee than just helplessly complain about it.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
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#5
What is 'your time' anyway. How do you know? Is there like a golden age where life is just idyllic?

Or is it just in peoples imaginations.

I went to this art deco weekend once where the whole town celebrates the 1920s era but I dont believe people can remember back that far its just they like the style of the things made in that era. Cos if you really lived like many people did in those days you might be a bootlegger or possibly insanely wealthy until the stockmarket crashed and then you would be suicidal.

A bunch if teachers at my school had a social night where the theme was 70s disco and you meant to dress up, but I have NO 70s clothes hiding in my closet as wasnt even born then and nothing about the 70s appeals. I wasnt around so what do I care about discos and platform shoes and afros?! Its the decade that taste forgot..!
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
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#6
It is certain many who are young know a lot about the roaring 20's and before. I did, and I was born in the swing era.. Any who like a variety of music styles will usually know a lot about their eochs of popularity,. It is reasonable to determine this in one's mind without making it conclusive for alls. And so it goes. I used to watch movies on tv that were before I was born, even quite a few silent movies, but I as already into the talkies. Good tmes may be had by anyone providing their circumstances allow for the, even in this day and age, especially for believers of Jesus, Yeshua.

I am 75, and thiere is not a whole lot special about this time of my life other than I am much closer to being either taken up to Jesus or going to my rest. Come thresurrection all will be glorious and wonder forever...….it will. Praise God, amen. God bless you Lanolin..
 

CharliRenee

Member
Staff member
Nov 4, 2014
6,693
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#7
I so enjoy hanging around older peeps, they call me young, lol.

The truth is...

I so enjoy kids and seniors the most, they bring great laughter, joy and wisdom. Anyone in between is awesome to be around too. Well, as long as they are kind, resilient (not quick to think the worst or toss peeps aside, barrrooooo, lol), and merciful, especially if they make you laugh.

Negative grumpy peeps of any age are a bit troublesome, lol. However, old age can be very painful, physically and usually includes having known much loss, so also mentally. Having worked with hospice patients for a brief time, I realized quickly how hard it is to be kind or joyful when the body and mind hurts so much. So I think that is why many become nostalgic.

Nostalgia is memories that stand out, it is a part of who they are. While I agree, hanging on to the past can be troublesome, it can also provide many honey coated, cherished memories of sweeter times.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
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#8
I think when you get old and all the people that are your age start dying around you thats when you start maybe getting grumpy. But yes how people deal with pain, some cope by complaining and spreading the pain around. Im sure when Jesus suffered on the cross he wasnt constantly going Im in pain! I wish I wasnt here, rememeber the time I got lost in Jerusalem? Now people dont care if I die....Those were the days....,

?! I think if the memories are good but the best thing to do if you want to recapture them is write them down in a book!
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
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#9
It is certain many who are young know a lot about the roaring 20's and before. I did, and I was born in the swing era.. Any who like a variety of music styles will usually know a lot about their eochs of popularity,. It is reasonable to determine this in one's mind without making it conclusive for alls. And so it goes. I used to watch movies on tv that were before I was born, even quite a few silent movies, but I as already into the talkies. Good tmes may be had by anyone providing their circumstances allow for the, even in this day and age, especially for believers of Jesus, Yeshua.

I am 75, and thiere is not a whole lot special about this time of my life other than I am much closer to being either taken up to Jesus or going to my rest. Come thresurrection all will be glorious and wonder forever...….it will. Praise God, amen. God bless you Lanolin..
But isnt your senior years your golden times? People call you 'golden oldies' plus if you live in nz and over 65 you get your own GOLD card. Free public transport and discounts on everything!
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,453
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#10
But isnt your senior years your golden times? People call you 'golden oldies' plus if you live in nz and over 65 you get your own GOLD card. Free public transport and discounts on everything!
I haave heard that expression on occasion in reference to old folks but it does not impress me as having a whole lot of meaning in our later yearsunless it is referring to our faith???

What I do oft time resent is when anyone thinks a retired person is "taking their money" because they have a pension. I worked laboriously to get to where I would have a pension from the military service until my retirement...Except for the military I paid into social security all of my life, as did many others. Looking at my work history I discovered several of my employers negrlected to deduct and pay into my pension savings as per the law. They will not need to answer to me nor to my complaint, but one day they will answer for depriving so many of their actual retirements.. So who stoeals from whom? I can only pray for all and bless sthem for this is our due. All love in Jesus, Yeshua and God bless you...lj
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
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#11
Not sure what golden oldies or golden years refers to but I have heard the phrase often referring to an idyllic time. I worked in retirement villages and some were really living it up, going on cruises and trips all the time, wining and dining, active in all sorts of things. They also sold their family homes and moved into brand new luxury apartments with the latest mod cons and had new cars.

In my country because some people werent saving any money for their retirement the govt instituted kiwisaver which meant employers could contribute money toward retriement not to touch until you turn 65. You can opt out of it if you dont want it.

The tax burden isnt really on what YOU yourself saved over the many years you worked hard because people get the pension automatically even if you didnt work just when you turn 65..and you could continue working and get double as many find the pension not enough to live on for the rest of their lives. Thats why its going to be put up to 70 or even done away with in the future. The money actually comes from people who are working NOW what gets taken from their tax. So the workforce currently in work is actually supporting the pensioners. I think thats why some people might resent having to pay tax.

As there are many baby boomers in proportion to the rest of the population thats a lot of pensioners to support.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
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#12
I think it was Job who said even though he had many trials he will come forth as gold.

Gold means youve been refined in the fiery furnace. In terms of your faith. And of course in Heaven the streets are paved with gold.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
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#14
5 percent discount on groceries...

I was with some older people today and they started to talk about old tv shows. That I hadnt seen. You cant really join in conversations when they start doing that. Lol
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,453
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#15
When I was yet quite young I would visit older people. One woman had no legs, another, Barbara, had not feet but most were intact. From early childhood until my early adulthood I loved being with older people. Yes they would talk aabout things before my time, but I listened and learned some from all. Now, I avoid people except in day/to/day interactions commercially. God figure. I stll like peple, of all ages, but the older I am the less I have in common with most. Except for those in Jesus Yeshua. God bless all in Him, and all who will be amen.
 

Eli1

Well-known member
Apr 5, 2022
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#16
Nostalgia, for those of us who have had blessed childhoods, is a capsule of time which represents innocence, freedom and bliss.
And as your grow old, nostalgia becomes gratefulness. You thank God for the beautiful childhood He gave you and for every little thing now.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
27,523
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#17
Nostalgia, for those of us who have had blessed childhoods, is a capsule of time which represents innocence, freedom and bliss.
And as your grow old, nostalgia becomes gratefulness. You thank God for the beautiful childhood He gave you and for every little thing now.
Grave-digging a thread about nostalgia... How meta.
 

Eli1

Well-known member
Apr 5, 2022
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#18
Grave-digging a thread about nostalgia... How meta.
No, actually this is a nice topic. I saw a few comments in a few other threads so i did a search and this topic came up.
Nostalgia comes up during daily convo with friends too so it's a nice topic to talk about, enjoy and laugh.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
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#19
Some of us did not have blessed childhoods, or we remember things differently. If you had a tough time though, or trauma, your memory can repress it but it will surface a bit later.

People say that babies can't remember things as they are too young but truth is they do, they just cant process it until later, and it's in their bodies. Many traumatic things happen to babies though many parents sort of think babies have no brains and won't recall or remember how they felt when they were young, especially if they were neglected.

I think pre-adolescent years or late childhood are what many people remember fondly as thats before hormones and things change, and most of the time parents have time for you then, before you become too independent. Teen years aren't easy for most especially these days. I don't think there was ever an idyllic time, though the 1980s were pretty crazy years.

AIDS, bomb scares, end of the world paranoia, millenium fever, global warming...! Oh and plastics were meant to save the world from deforestation lol. And people were GREEDY. It was the 'me' generation and everyone was like 'me first' and selfish.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
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#20
I think people become grateful they suvived and didn't die during their childhoods. A car crash can sober people up, esp when the victims are young.