What era would you rather be born in?

[AssassinatedDevil]

I've always found this question to be fascinating. A lot of people say that they would rather be living in 19xx,18xx etc because of several of reasons. Some people say that living in the 1600s is more preferable since times were much simpler then. We didn't have the distractions that we have due to the constant developments in technology which meant people lived a more healthy, social life.

I personally wouldn't want to be born in any other era. We live in an era where society has never had so much access to technological innovation and medical services that help us live a longer healthier life. The life expectancy in most countries is higher than what it used to be a century ago. We have more options than ever to entertain ourselves and keep ourselves busy than ever before. We as a civilization are ahead in almost all meaningful metrics than we were couple of centuries ago.

What era would you guys prefer to live in?

 

[Mamoon]

Depends on the country. If I were to be born in Pakistan, I would have preferred the mid 1970’s.

The country was less chaotic, religious extremism and terrorism was not at the same level as it is today, and the general perception of Pakistan was a lot better than what it is today.

As an added bonus, we were bloody good at cricket too, and invincible at hockey.

People like me, i.e. those who were born in the late 80’s and early 90’s, still managed to experience some of the good old Pakistan.

The 90’s was a pretty good era to be born in, but I really feel for the Pakistanis who were born in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. Pretty much the worst era to be born in Pakistan. Things have really gone south since 9/11 and the subsequent WoT.

 

[Robert]

I would have liked to have been a youth in Britain in the 1960s. Full employment, NHS in its prime, great fashion and great pop music.

 

[Hitman]

Would prefer to be born in the 40's so that I can enjoy cricket and music from the 60's onward. My favorite band, The Beatles ..... and cricket starting from the great Garry Sobers.

 

[JaDed]

Anything before 18th century

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Early 1980's.

 

[DeadBall]

Midnight In Paris by Woody Allen is a good movie on this subject.

 

[Slog]

I'd like to be born in Delhi (land of my forefathers) in the times Akbar, Shah Jahan or Jehangir..

Also I'd like to have lived in Madinah through the times of Prophet Muhammad PBUH esp post coquenst of Makkah.

Finally Id also like to have experienced the post-WWII USA. (or to be frank late 1800s to Roaring Twenties would work as well)

As for Pakistan I am not sure what the best time is. The 70s seem a good time but thats when we lost East Pakistan and is also when Bhutto caved to the mullahs. 80s would have been hell. I guess being present at time of independence would have been great but that also brought its own tragedies.... I guess early 1960s would have been a good time

 

[TM Riddle]

Vienna before first world war. GREATEST city in the world.
15th century Rajasthan when my ancestors used to kick Turks' behinds for fun.
I would have also loved to be part of contingent under Raja Man Singh who as a Mughal general led an expedition to North West to quell Pashtun rebellions. It's said that the Panchranga flag of Jaipur state symbolizes 5 Pashtun tribes that Man Singh defeated.
Or 7th century when my ancestors ruled around Bihar as vassals of Harshvardhana.

 

[CrowingRooster]

The ones that come to mind now are the 1920s and the 1950s and 60s

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The 50's and 60's if only for the dress sense if Mad Men is anything to go by. Don Draper's wife Betty was a knockout.

 

[cricketworm]

I would rather be born in 22nd century. Many sci-fi movies will come true. This is probably the best era, where you can survive better than any other on an average.

 

[TM Riddle]

The 50's and 60's if only for the dress sense if Mad Men is anything to go by. Don Draper's wife Betty was a knockout.

One thing I found particularly interesting about the show was the rampant sexism and sexual harassment at work places in the 60s America. We see through the eyes of Peggy how she's belittled and mocked at every step for being an independent woman esp at the start of her career.

Also the alcohol lol. It's as if all people did back then was to drink and smoke

 

[Suleiman]

I’m content with being born in the 90s, older people ***** and moan about the “old days” and “simpler” times and then pull out their iPhone X to take a selfie or google maps to find the closest Pizza Hut express. We have it really easy now for the most part, everything is a lot more accessible now... except for peace in a third world country I guess.

 

[Pakpak]

I've always found this question to be fascinating. A lot of people say that they would rather be living in 19xx,18xx etc because of several of reasons. Some people say that living in the 1600s is more preferable since times were much simpler then. We didn't have the distractions that we have due to the constant developments in technology which meant people lived a more healthy, social life.

I personally wouldn't want to be born in any other era. We live in an era where society has never had so much access to technological innovation and medical services that help us live a longer healthier life. The life expectancy in most countries is higher than what it used to be a century ago. We have more options than ever to entertain ourselves and keep ourselves busy than ever before. We as a civilization are ahead in almost all meaningful metrics than we were couple of centuries ago.

What era would you guys prefer to live in?

Life in 1600s was hell for most people. In the West especially life expectancy was below 35. Africa was being sold off. So not sure. Personally I prefer the time now. The technology has been unbelievable.

 

[Varun]

I can't imagine life without the Internet. So anytime post 1995 for me.

Anything from catching a cab, to transferring money, to ordering a meal - it can do.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

One thing I found particularly interesting about the show was the rampant sexism and sexual harassment at work places in the 60s America. We see through the eyes of Peggy how she's belittled and mocked at every step for being an independent woman esp at the start of her career.

Also the alcohol lol. It's as if all people did back then was to drink and smoke

I think the sexism of the 60's would suit me as well to be honest. Good clothes and sexism....what a time to be alive.

 

[TM Riddle]

I think the sexism of the 60's would suit me as well to be honest. Good clothes and sexism....what a time to be alive.

Also one could actually live through the origins and popularization of Rock music. Imagine watching The likes of Pink Floyd, The Doors and Led Zeppelin live in a concert at their prime!

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Also one could actually live through the origins and popularization of Rock music. Imagine watching The likes of Pink Floyd, The Doors and Led Zeppelin live in a concert at their prime!

Led Zeppelin...now that was something else. But don't forget Roy Orbison, the Ronettes and Dusty Springfield. I do love the 60's music, probably a big reason why I liked that show.

 

[TM Riddle]

Led Zeppelin...now that was something else. But don't forget Roy Orbison, the Ronettes and Dusty Springfield. I do love the 60's music, probably a big reason why I liked that show.

The show is a classic for sure. You have this lead who is so peculiar, bizarre and complicated as a person that it sometimes becomes really hard to root for him esp when you see him making same mistake again and again.
But that's what I liked about it. Don Draper on the outside comes across so perfect, an exemplary ad man but as we move along his story we come to realize how deeply flawed, broken and basically human he is.
Brilliant series. One of my favorites.

 

[Hasan123]

1990s

 

[Markhor]

The 1990s is something I'd like to relive. The economy was booming, we were in the infancy of mobile phones, computers and video games so you still have your modern creature comforts, home international cricket was free to air on TV before Sky monopolised the market, the West Indies were still a good team, and plenty of pop culture attractions.

Not sure why anyone would want to live in the medieval era when disease was rampant, life expectancy was vastly reduced, wars commonplace, and lack of access to effective medicine.

 

[Sirris]

I am very happy to be living in the era we are living now. Not primarily because of the technological advancements or because of improved health care.

Never before has the mankind been so interconnected and interlinked. Never before could you get to know endless amount of people with completely different background and culture. Never before did you have access to such a vast amount of information, nor were you exposed to so many contrasting views and different ideas. The level of mass-ignorance, superstitious, intolerance and herd mentality has never been so low. The level of acceptance, openness to foreign cultures, mutual understanding and open scrutiny of past traditions and customs has never before been so high.

Yet many harsh challenges still lie before us which is worriesome but exciting at the same time. To solve these challenges is our responsibility and our obligation to the future generation as we too have inherited the thoughts of many great men before us and are privileged to taste the fruits of their hard work. Many idols are still left to be shattered, many views still there to be exposed.

When people wish for past eras they only have a beautiful and distorted image of their favorite era in mind. While reality is far more melancholic and humbling.

However when I am daydreaming and feel adventurous I do fantasize about being a successful gladiator in the coliseum, defeating all my enemies and winning the heart of all the princesses. Or perhaps a pirate aimlessly wandering through the seven seas and exploring new land.

But my absolute favorite fantasy is to be living in ancient Greece and being the student of Socrates, Aristoteles and Plato. Relaxing under a olive tree on a river side and pondering for hours about existence, world and life while the smell of fresh green grass incites my senses. Lying on an open field at night and staring at the milky way while it stares right back at me.

"Knowledge is preferable to ignorance. Better by far to embrace the hard truth than a reassuring fable"

 

[Sirris]

Vienna before first world war. GREATEST city in the world.
15th century Rajasthan when my ancestors used to kick Turks' behinds for fun.
I would have also loved to be part of contingent under Raja Man Singh who as a Mughal general led an expedition to North West to quell Pashtun rebellions. It's said that the Panchranga flag of Jaipur state symbolizes 5 Pashtun tribes that Man Singh defeated.
Or 7th century when my ancestors ruled around Bihar as vassals of Harshvardhana.

"my ancestors.... my ancestors..... my ancestors"

Forget the past! There is no glory, nor a reason to take pride in the bloodshed of times of ignorance. Reflect upon the past, live in the present and plan for the future to make it better than the past and the present.

 

[DeadBall]

But my absolute favorite fantasy is to be living in ancient Greece and being the student of Socrates, Aristoteles and Plato. Relaxing under a olive tree on a river side and pondering for hours about existence, world and life while the smell of fresh green grass incites my senses. Lying on an open field at night and staring at the milky way while it stares right back at me.

You forgot the wine.

 

[TM Riddle]

"my ancestors.... my ancestors..... my ancestors"

Forget the past! There is no glory, nor a reason to take pride in the bloodshed of times of ignorance. Reflect upon the past, live in the present and plan for the future to make it better than the past and the present.

Yeah yeah ok.

 

[Tusker]

I hope I live to see Nasa find life on another planet and make contact with them.

 

[Sirris]

I hope I live to see Nasa find life on another planet and make contact with them.

Are you familiar with the Fermi paradox?

Part1

Part 2

 

[Sirris]

I hope I live to see Nasa find life on another planet and make contact with them.

Last but not least: Why alien life would be our doom

 

[good guy]

serious looking at the answers remind me why human species deserve to get extinction

you know why because we have sixth mass extinction that means 100 to 200 species are gone from earth
forever
we are pollute our oceans/cities/ and choking this planet with plastics

 

[good guy]

I am very happy to be living in the era we are living now. Not primarily because of the technological advancements or because of improved health care.

Never before has the mankind been so interconnected and interlinked. Never before could you get to know endless amount of people with completely different background and culture. Never before did you have access to such a vast amount of information, nor were you exposed to so many contrasting views and different ideas. The level of mass-ignorance, superstitious, intolerance and herd mentality has never been so low. The level of acceptance, openness to foreign cultures, mutual understanding and open scrutiny of past traditions and customs has never before been so high.

Yet many harsh challenges still lie before us which is worriesome but exciting at the same time. To solve these challenges is our responsibility and our obligation to the future generation as we too have inherited the thoughts of many great men before us and are privileged to taste the fruits of their hard work. Many idols are still left to be shattered, many views still there to be exposed.

When people wish for past eras they only have a beautiful and distorted image of their favorite era in mind. While reality is far more melancholic and humbling.

However when I am daydreaming and feel adventurous I do fantasize about being a successful gladiator in the coliseum, defeating all my enemies and winning the heart of all the princesses. Or perhaps a pirate aimlessly wandering through the seven seas and exploring new land.

But my absolute favorite fantasy is to be living in ancient Greece and being the student of Socrates, Aristoteles and Plato. Relaxing under a olive tree on a river side and pondering for hours about existence, world and life while the smell of fresh green grass incites my senses. Lying on an open field at night and staring at the milky way while it stares right back at me.

"Knowledge is preferable to ignorance. Better by far to embrace the hard truth than a reassuring fable"

really this era is great my opinion is no you know why
here is list of wars in this really great era

Iraq/Syria/Yemen/Ukraine/south Sudan/Afghanistan/Mali/Niger

then you have rise of authoritarian government all over the world

more consumption of plastics every day

80 millions are getting born every year that means we will added 1 billion in 13 years

more consuming of oil every year

we are putting c02 of 409 ppm right now and it may increase every year

 

[Sirris]

really this era is great my opinion is no you know why
here is list of wars in this really great era

Iraq/Syria/Yemen/Ukraine/south Sudan/Afghanistan/Mali/Niger

then you have rise of authoritarian government all over the world

more consumption of plastics every day

80 millions are getting born every year that means we will added 1 billion in 13 years

more consuming of oil every year

we are putting c02 of 409 ppm right now and it may increase every year

In response to your emotional reply I am going to quote myself. It's from the same post of mine which you quoted.

Yet many harsh challenges still lie before us which is worriesome but exciting at the same time. To solve these challenges is our responsibility and our obligation to the future generation as we too have inherited the thoughts of many great men before us and are privileged to taste the fruits of their hard work. Many idols are still left to be shattered, many views still there to be exposed.

I am an optimistic person so I don't think we would get along well. While you fantasise about the extinction of mankind I wish for us to become much more considerate towards each other and second guess the consequences of our actions.

 

[Rana]

70s England. I could buy a house worth £10k which would today be worth £1M

 

[Chrish]

2100 in USA.

 

[Madplayer]

I would prefer not to be born at all.

 

[ManFan]

The present. Can’t go back or forward. Make the best of what you have.