Day 5 - 261 -- Learning from the Past

Two conversations today focused on changes to daily habits -- ways of doing things that have changed with time and things some of us know how to do that others will never learn. Many changes in these chats followed the increase in electronic communications. These sweeping changes resulted in cashiers not counting back change, bank clerks not aligning banknotes with all faces on top to the right or not learning cursive writing so signatures become biometric scans. Such altered habits can bring wistful thinking and wishes for former times. In the grand scheme of life, none of the changes discussed will create long term difficulties.

I've encountered discussions about doing basic math instead of  relying on a computer that create great consternation. Noting that knowing how to do this oneself could help if computer software were unavailable. For example, if working in foodservice and needing to feed 75 people with a recipe for 50 servings, how might the correct amount of ingredients be gathered in the midst of a major storm with no power? If selling items at a store without use of the electronic cash register, how would correct change be provided? Yes, such events are not common, but knowing what to do if and when a problem presents itself might be very useful.

Such discussions bring to mind the loss of historical knowledge as time passes and habits change. Do we no longer value history? I've always loved history so find this question unsettling. I believe that we cannot move forward without fully understanding where we've been. Much published knowledge is being lost since it isn't found readily with an online search. So, it must not exist -- or so go the  conversations I've had with those who rely on digitized knowledge. This may impact future decision making, leading people to repeat errors made in the past instead of building upon a more complete knowledge base. The other aspect of this line of thought is that we must share information about failures in order to expedite forward movement of a topic. We learn from mistakes as well as successes.

A song for the pondering of the day took some time. I finally settled on one that acknowledges change over time and the need to move with the times or get left behind. Enjoy!

The Times They are a-changin' -- Bob Dylan