I saw a viral video about a guy who said his town in New Jersey did not enforce prohibition law at all back in the 1900s, with the consequence that he, as a minor, could go in to a bar and get a drink. Interesting thought to consider in the face of unjust legislation today, that there were places in the past that just didn't enforce certain laws thought to be unjust.
What kind of other questions might we ask of elders, to understand some of the past that might help us make good decisions going forward?
"Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it"
A lot of these elders used to tell me growing up to pay attention to traditional values, to not be too immersed in material things, and that western medicine was a big scam etc. So I would not say they were wisdomless.
I believe in the past 30 years, there has been a super charging of their operations - mockingbird on steroids if you like, that has programmed people to stop trusting their instincts and start conforming.
My dad used to take me to herbalist and homeopathic doctors when I was young. He had this big book of photographs from Soviet era, compiled by Solzenitsyn, that depicted the horrors of communism and authoritarianism. He introduced me to critical thinking from an early age.
He used to be such a traditionalist, he had never eaten a burger or a pizza until I was in my 20s. I used to chide him and tell him that he needs to be modernised. Over the years he just embraced everything thats modern, and now its almost like we have switched roles. I think the past decades of apparent peace and growth in most of the World has given rise to this complacence and attitude of trusting the authority. This is why I loathe to judge the NPCs.
Comparable to my parents. 1-Stick with tradition because its proven over generations. 2-When mom learned about spaghetti dad loved it so much he wanted it for Sunday dinners. McDonalds was a derogatory word. 3-Do for family and ignore that 'americans' tell you. Mom was told she doesnt know american law, that the man works and moms stay home. Mom said I do know american law that if we work hard we can achieve much. Parents put 2 kids thru college without loans, bought a beautiful home while those 'americans' lived and died on welfare, never owned a home or car and kids got into drugs. 4-I was in hospital for Legionnaires IV abx for 2 weeks. Mom came to hospital with her 'cure' and the next day improved, discharged on 2nd day. 5-My parents survived Stalin and holodomyr, Hitler, slave labor and concentration camps. Taught me a lot about survival. Also taught me to never, every listen to or believe what ANY communist (socialist) says.
This is really nice.