Idolization of Novelty
Why do we love what is new and discount what is old?
The newest technology, gadget, car, school of thought, anything that is modern often only has relevance because of its novelty. Novelty is the quality of being new; newness does not make what is old valuable, age does not add value in comparison to what is new in some circumstances as well. Though, in the culture I find myself in, we often are in awe of what is new and seemingly better. Though technology has had major advancements in the last fifty years, this does not mean everything is better in quality compared to the old way of doing things; I’ve found in my own life that the old way of doing thing’s creates more intentionality, memories, and I end up cherishing the most.
My grandfather owned a 1966 Chevrolet pickup truck, and as a kid, I thought it was the coolest vehicle I have ever seen in my entire life. He worked on this truck, when something broke or wore down, he often replaced the parts himself because of his knowledge of mechanics and his beloved baby blue truck. He had to sell the truck a couple of years ago, and with his newer more up to date car, the experience is not the same. With much of the parts now having to be calibrated, computer’s reset, and the many other things inaccessible to the owners. Everything old is portrayed as depreciating in value, while what is new is put on a pedestal. We do this with the elderly people in our life as well, forgetting about them or not caring for them the same way we care for those who are younger in years. Humans are humans, age does not change the value one is worth. With these qualities diminishing not just in car owners, but in every facet of our lives, what can we do to combat the growing idolization of novelty?
An important caveat to make in this conversation is that while old should be valued equally as new things, just because something is old does not mean it holds value. Sometimes the natural cycle of life is things withering with age as time progresses, so new items or ideas can be inspired from and invented in homage to what has passed away with age. If we want to seek out what is old and valuable I would suggest three criteria it must pass: will you use it, is it of good quality or salvageable, and do you like it. I think of these things when I am thrifting, searching for treasures in a place where people have thrown away things that I can now use in my life. Though these criteria are a good way to check if you are buying something just because it looks old or if it holds value to you.