What are some positive things that you admire about the 18th century?

[Buzz Rules]

I also liked when Maine didn’t exist. It was part of Massachusetts.

New England Grants.

 

[georgina]

I didn’t say it was a perfect era (life isn’t perfect today by any means). But I think there are somethings our ancestors did way back when that could have positive impacts today. Ex. Play board or card games as a family instead of forever looking at a tv or iPod. Flying a kite instead of staying inside playing video games. People caring about their community instead of just focusing on themselves.

I don't agree with your reasoning because if they had video games they would have been playing them! Perhaps the more well-off people were playing board games and flying kites. I think you are looking through rose-colored glasses and life was not good for most people then, more about just surviving. Women were considered property, abused, and had no rights. (I live in a caring community now.)

 

[RamblingMad]

I didn’t say it was a perfect era (life isn’t perfect today by any means). But I think there are somethings our ancestors did way back when that could have positive impacts today. Ex. Play board or card games as a family instead of forever looking at a tv or iPod. Flying a kite instead of staying inside playing video games. People caring about their community instead of just focusing on themselves.

These are family choices. Board gaming is huge in Germany. If you don't want kids looking at devices, don't buy them.

 

[Buzz Rules]

I don't know if it was that great. Powdered wigs, wooden teeth, poor bathing habits. And of course in the Americas, slavery.

But if anything, it was the renaissance style of thinking. People like Ben Franklin or Thomas Jefferson who believed in science as well as diplomacy. These days there are those who don't truly believe in science and that's kind of sad.

All of those things varied depending on the area of the colonies and habits depended on class. People did bath more than commonly thought, dentistry varied based on wealth, and wigs were only required for formal events. In fact, having healthy hair and good grooming habits was a requirement to being treated as a lady or gentleman. Many people were against slavery in the 18th century, so that issue was not looked the same way by everyone.
A lot of founding fathers believed in a higher power and science as well.

 

[Buzz Rules]

These are family choices. Board gaming is huge in Germany. If you don't want kids looking at devices, don't buy them.

Fair point. I’m just saying, people cared more about each other and less on themselves at the time (for the most part).

 

[Frugal Fairy Tales]

That it’s behind us!

 

[MillauFr]

No cars

 

[RamblingMad]

Fair point. I’m just saying, people cared more about each other and less on themselves at the time (for the most part).

I think, this depends on the community. Americans are far more self centered than some other European countries. You only have to look at the redistribution of wealth between countries. It's definitely cultural.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_income_equality

 

[Buzz Rules]

I don't agree with your reasoning because if they had video games they would have been playing them! Perhaps the more well-off people were playing board games and flying kites. I think you are looking through rose-colored glasses and life was not good for most people then, more about just surviving. Women were considered property, abused, and had no rights. (I live in a caring community now.)

I actually think they wouldn’t play video games because as you said, it was more about survival. The games they played almost taught kids lessons that they could have used later in life. On the topic of the 18th century in general, I’m not looking at it with rose glasses. I fully recognize the problems of the times and how some of those issues resonate with issues if today. But I also recognize certain positive things from the era as well. Another example are the fairytales that were written during that time that we still read today. In regards to your comment on women, I agree there were many problems at the time that should always be discussed. But would also offer this, there are many documented cases where women were treated well by their spouse and never abused. I’m not saying that the cases where women were mistreated should ever be forgotten or brushed off. Just that like most issues at the time, it not a one size fits all.

 

[Buzz Rules]

No cars

Imagine if we used horses and boats instead. How much pollution would be reduced?

 

[RamblingMad]

I actually think they wouldn’t play video games because as you said, it was more about survival. The games they played almost taught kids lessons that they could have used later in life. On the topic of the 18th century in general, I’m not looking at it with rose glasses. I fully recognize the problems of the times and how some of those issues resonate with issues if today. But I also recognize certain positive things from the era as well. Another example are the fairytales that were written during that time that we still read today. In regards to your comment on women, I agree there were many problems at the time that should always be discussed. But would also offer this, there are many documented cases where women were treated well by their spouse and never abused. I’m not saying that the cases where women were mistreated should ever be forgotten or brushed off. Just that like most issues at the time, it not a one size fits all.

The original Boy Scout manual had kids build a cabin from scratch. This hasn't been a requirement for a very long time. Times change.

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/29558/29558-h/29558-h.htm

It's in public domain now.

 

[Buzz Rules]

That it’s behind us!

There is good and bad with all eras. It wasn’t all bad and it wasn’t all good. Without it, we wouldn’t be a country and you wouldn’t have rights today.

 

[RamblingMad]

There is good and bad with all eras. It wasn’t all bad and it wasn’t all good. Without it, we wouldn’t be a country and you wouldn’t have rights today.

Watch All in the Family. You'd be surprised by how little has changed. Basically, we have the same problems, but the names of the people have changed.

 

[Buzz Rules]

The original Boy Scout manual had kids build a cabin from scratch. This hasn't been a requirement for a very long time. Times change.

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/29558/29558-h/29558-h.htm

It's in public domain now.

As it should. I’m not saying progressive thought and action is wrong. I love history. We all have ancestors that were affected by the 18th century (good or bad). But thinking of just the bad things during that time and never any of the good is a disservice to those who tried to contribute positive change and culture that helped drive further change into the 19th century.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Watch All in the Family. You'd be surprised by how little has changed. Basically, we have the same problems, but the names of the people have changed.

Issues are more prominent depending on where you live and your personal life experiences. Everyone is unique and no one is the same. As I said before, this thread is about positive things from the time period and not focusing on the negative (which I know there were multiple issues).

 

[RamblingMad]

As it should. I’m not saying progressive thought and action is wrong. I love history. We all have ancestors that were affected by the 18th century (good or bad). But thinking of just the bad things during that time and never any of the good is a disservice to those who tried to contribute positive change and culture that helped drive further change into the 19th century.

If you want to focus on the good stuff, then it boils down to advances in medicine, crop production, and transportation.

 

[Buzz Rules]

If you want to focus on the good stuff, then it boils down to advances in medicine, crop production, and transportation.

I can name more.

 

[seshat0120]

I love Baroque music! When CDs first came out, I bought a fairly expensive stereo system and a few Baroque CDs. It sounded so good! Still have the CDs, but not the stereo. I also like the architecture of the period. When I first visited Colonial Williamsburg, I was in awe of the buildings there. One of these days I will find a way to visit again.

There was a time when my sister and I would got to Colonial Williamsburg one or twice a year, every year. After a ten year absence, we've now been to CW three times in the past year. In two weeks time last year, my sister and I planned a quick trip there for July 4th weekend (we already had nine nights planned for October). It was also the first time I stayed at the Williamsburg Inn - and I'll be hard pressed to stay anywhere else in the future while in Williamsburg. We had another nine stay in May. Our next trip was supposed to be nine nights in early December for Grand Illumination, but we ended up deciding on another one in late October to see The Haunting on Duke of Gloucester Street.

If you can find a way to go, go!

 

[seshat0120]

You probably would enjoy Mr. Jefferson’s garden party hosted at CW every year (well not the last couple of years due to Covid but post Covid it should be back).

The Garden Party isn't something CW has mentioned bringing back. This would have been the year if they were as they've brought back all of their other special events. In fact, I've was told by employees when I was there in May that their pulling out all the bells and whistles for Grand Illumination. I'd think, if they're doing that, they would have brought the Garden Party back this year if they intended to. It's also not listed in their special events for next year. They send the calendar of the following year's events to donors in mid-summer, so I should be getting that soon.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Colonial American inventions include: swim fins, octant, Franklin stove, mail order, lightning rod, flexible urinary catheter, Armonica (glass harmonica), swivel chair, flat boat, bifocals, artificial diffraction grating, automatic flour mill, turtle submarine, cracker, wheel cypher, cotton gin, Rumford fireplace, cupcakes.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_United_States_inventions_(before_1890)