“Let others praise ancient times; I am glad I was born in these.”
– Ovid

I love this quote because although there are plenty of reasons to wish we lived in other times, there is so much to be thankful for in today’s day and age:

• We have lower rates of large-scale wars, especially WW1 and 2.
• There are numerous technology and convenience advancements
• Medical advancements have increased life expectancy
• We have the ability to travel practically anywhere in the world
• There is universal education and access to open knowledge
• We have sustainable technologies like renewable energy
• Conservation efforts are in place to preserve ecosystems
• Human rights have made huge strides toward inclusivity
• Unparalleled access to entertainment and creativity through the internet
• Better than ever work-life balances and opportunities

One of the wildest realities today is that physical work has been reduced due to automation and thanks to machines. This means there is more time for intellectual and creative pursuits.

I am truly glad to have been born in 1994 and grown up through the rise of the internet, increased stability, and global prosperity.

The awareness of this moment includes the massive amount of convenience we have to be thankful for: cars, trains, planes, phones, TVs, and endless travel. 

The world is a big, beautiful place and it is a gift to travel to such diverse lands.

There was a time, not that long ago at all, that it was extremely uncommon to leave your state, let alone your country; and now we can affordably fly just about anywhere in the world.

If you were to tell a farmer in the early 19th century this, they would look at you in disbelief and probably call you crazy.

You can travel continents in hours where as ancient journeys would have taken months.

Today, we can make and reach out to friends worldwide, share thoughts instantly, and access a network of support in hard times; how crazy is that!

Stopping to think about just medical advancements alone is insane:

• We have eradicated diseases like smallpox.
• We have treatments for HIV and some cancers
• We have drastically improved vaccines
• We have raised the global life expectancy by 40 years in the past 100 years

The world is at relative peace, minus some war-torn areas like Ukraine, and El Salvador, and some dictatorships like Russia and North Korea.

There are still enough resources for everyone, and the standard of living has increased globally.

To recognize the significance of today means living presently in the fact that we are so blessed with this age.

This does not, however, diminish some of the harsh realities of today, nor does it excuse what must be fought for: like social equality, fundamental human rights, or environmental protection.

We live in an incredible age, but we must take care of it, improve it, and cherish it.

I encourage you to write down three things you personally are thankful for in today’s age.