In my job I get the fun of seeing the prices of various item necessary for life and some extra comforts from a century ago. It is interesting to see how costs have risen. Of course life has changed a great deal in that length of time. Not all of it good.
So has our ideas of what is necessary to live a good, full life and be happy. Today we are so involved in fulfilling our wants that we don't consider the difference between the two things, needs and wants. What we seem to want is more, and more and more. But it doesn't bring happiness. Often it brings the reverse.
Everything has changed. The building of a home now is one of many rooms, stories, plus extras like a play room equipped with electronic entertainment, or an exercise room where specialized equipment is supposed to keep us physically fit, a special room for laundry purposes, and on and on. There is barely a trace of the small home with only two or three of bedrooms, one bath, one living area and a kitchen/dining area. That described a fairly extravagant home back in the day.
Inflation has had a huge influence on the dollar's worth not covering much, but our value structure plays a big part as well. Luxuries of the past are considered everyday needs of the present.
Even donation suggestions has escalated. In the past a tip of 10 % of the bill was considered plenty, now it is more like 20% and often the buyer doesn't even get to make that choice since the 'tip' is included in the bill. Companies, hospitals, charities, etc. often contact us by mail, desiring funds for their worthy cause. Inside the envelope will be a card that lists suggested amounts of the donation, and none are very low. A person is made to feel like a cheapskate if they can only afford half of the lowest suggested amount. The spirit of giving is squelched, it is more like an order.
So many things are different--transportation, housing, entertainment, communication, simple meals, medical information and solutions offered, the price of a stamp for a letter. With consideration, what hasn't changed? We still need housing, warmth, water, clothing, food, social connections--the basics. Most of all we continue to need each other. Has the price gone up on that as well?
