The Irony of Evolution

The Irony of Evolution

   

    Is it not an irony to humankind that the world’s current advancements and innovations have proven to be both an asset and a burden?

    Until the end of the 19^th century, the mode of transportation in the Philippines depended on “literal” horse-power. That is; the strength of the tamed animal required to provide propulsion to a carriage or wagon to which it was strung. Maintenance of this means of travel, compared to modern days’ revolutionary vehicles, would be unarguably less difficult. A coachman or a farmer would only need water and grass, the talent to comprehend their steed’s moods and behavior; and the patriotism to clean the defecation they leave at certain stops.

    When people began to follow the trend of acquiring automobiles which ensued from Henry Ford’s creative knowledge and inspired by western influence; more complexities came along with it.

    Individuals who have the financial capability of purchasing a car will have to face such intricate complexities for the maintenance of their property:

• ·        Having to register their vehicles at the Land Transportation Office (LTO); queued with others who are in their same predicament of having to wait in extensively lengthy lines leading to unsociable government employees.
• ·        Finding or gaining knowledge of venues where repairs-electrical and mechanical, for example-can be undertaken when necessary.
• ·        Obeying perpetually revised and/or additional mandates by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) or the LTO which will inevitably prove to be very arduous and costly in the long run.
• ·        Learning to financially keep up with the effects of the often-rising, but seldom-dropping, prices of fuel; as well as its by-products,
• ·        Owning the savvy to negotiate unfavorable occurrences as vehicular accidents; or apprehensions for traffic violations.

    This is but one realistic example of the subject, raised. Other than vehicles; there are computers, cell phones, ATM machines, LED televisions, etc. which may prove very demanding to maintain. The technological advancements they have unarguably provide comforts and ease in the everyday, ritualistic lifestyles of so many Filipinos. But during times when imperfections get the best of these devices; it will prove stressfuly painstaking for their owners to rectify them.

    Another truth that comes with advancement is the decline of contentment. People consistently strive to keep up with the times; making an effort to “get along” with what is vogue. Technological evolution provides temporary satiation; but dissolves it upon the introduction of a newer product.

    In the mid to late- 1990’s; the cell phone’s function was meant for calling and text alone. Come the 21^st century; these devices allowed access to the internet and media sites such as radio and television stations; became vessels of amusement and social interactions (online games, Facebook, Skype, Viber, etc) and a myriad of uses unimaginable in the time of Alexander Graham Bell. During such an era of constant evolution; a satisfied individual who believes that his unit is in the latest fashion today will most likely think it obsolete tomorrow.

    Not unlike the use of nuclear radiation which contributes to the progress of medication but also has the properties to take a life; people choose to prosper by the very means that burden them….for their pleasure.