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Are we truly happier today than in times gone by? The answer is as elusive as happiness itself, for it depends on what we measure: the comforts of life or the contentment of the soul.
In times past, life was simpler but harsher. Communities were small, and survival depended on collective effort. People found joy in shared stories, the rhythm of nature, and the knowledge that their small contributions mattered to the group. The burdens of life were heavy, but so was the strength found in human connection. There was less, but perhaps it was appreciated more.
Today, we stand on the pinnacle of progress, surrounded by unimaginable conveniences. Science has eradicated diseases, technology has shrunk distances, and information flows like an endless river. We have more choices, more voices, and more opportunities than ever before. Yet, in this abundance, many feel lost. The bonds that once tethered us to one another have loosened, replaced by virtual connections that often feel hollow. The pursuit of happiness has turned into a race—against time, against others, against ourselves.
Perhaps happiness is not a question of then or now but of where we place our attention. In every age, humans have sought meaning—through relationships, faith, creativity, or service. What differs today is the scale of distraction. The noise of modern life drowns out the whispers of joy found in the small and simple: a sunrise, a shared meal, an act of kindness.
So, are we happier? Maybe happiness hasn’t changed, only our perception of it. If the past teaches us anything, it is that happiness thrives in presence, connection, and gratitude. Whether we lived then or now, these truths remain. The question is not whether we are happier but whether we can remember what happiness truly is.
So l do not, believe or know if we are happier now than times gone by.