Life is a process of simultaneously gaining and losing. As you grow and your living conditions improve, you often don’t realize what you’re losing while acquiring new things. Some of these lost treasures, although outdated by modern standards, are invaluable to you and, once lost, can never be reclaimed.
1. The loss of tradition
When some people hear words like “tradition” or “customs,” they dismiss them as outdated or superstitious. However, tradition is not synonymous with backwardness. Even in an evolving world, rich traditional cultures endure.
How many of us still honor family hierarchy and respect the elderly in our homes? Or uphold our word as unbreakable in the workplace? How many maintain lifelong commitments in marriage or embody virtues like benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faithfulness in daily life?
“Embrace the essence and discard the dross.” The wisdom of our ancestors needs to be passed down and practiced, never forgotten.
2. The fading buzz of community
Before smartphones and the Internet, life was bustling with human connections. People would casually visit neighbors, sharing conversations and homemade dishes. Friends and relatives would gather, laughing and chatting late into the night.
Today, with advanced communication, physical interactions have dwindled. People living in isolated apartments often don’t even know their neighbors. Social gatherings are now dominated by individual screen time, devoid of the lively atmosphere of the past.
Remember, a hundred online messages can’t replace the warmth of face-to-face interaction and shared meals. Real-life connections and lively atmospheres are essential for a fulfilling life.
3. The simplicity we’ve left behind
In the past, a roof over one’s head, food to eat, and a bed to sleep in were enough. People had simple desires — just enough food and the closeness of family.
As living standards have risen, so has materialism. The pursuit of bigger houses, luxury cars, and other material goods has burdened many, diminishing happiness. True happiness isn’t expensive. Life doesn’t need to be complicated.
4. Health: The overlooked treasure
In earlier times, people worked from sunrise to sunset, leading physically active lives. Nowadays, with the proliferation of digital technology, many people have irregular sleep schedules, poor physical health, and declining eyesight. The convenience of transportation has led to a sedentary lifestyle. Over-reliance on heating and air conditioning has weakened immune systems, making people more susceptible to common ailments.
Ultimately, it’s our habits that define our health. We must not lose sight of the importance of healthy living.
5. Memories: More than digital footprints
There was a time when photographs were rare, carefully preserved in albums, sparking stories and memories among family members. Today, despite the ease of taking photos with smartphones, these images are often forgotten in a digital corner and eventually deleted when storage runs out. We’re capturing more moments than ever, but preserving fewer memories. It’s essential to cherish and save these moments.
6. The lost essence of daily life
Modern conveniences have made self-reliance less common. Food delivery, online shopping, and other services have replaced the joy of cooking and the experience of shopping in person. However, the essence of life — the “human touch” — is irreplaceable. There’s something deeply fulfilling about cooking for your family or experiencing the seasons through daily activities.
Keeping the flame of tradition alive
In our rush to progress, we mustn’t forget our roots. We can embrace advanced cultures, but we should not forget our traditional values. We can enjoy the convenience of modern technology, but we should not lose the warmth of human interaction. We can indulge in modern comforts, but we must maintain healthy habits. We can capture life’s moments on our phones, but we should also preserve them carefully.
These six aspects are the treasures of modern life. Let’s value them and keep our traditions alive, for only by holding onto our core values can we truly thrive.
Translated article
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