I often wish I had remained in the simpler, less complicated times of the past. There were challenges, and I must be careful not to succumb to the rose-coloured glasses syndrome. But things were quieter, less materialistically oriented, more focused on people, and more focused on brainwork, book study, and cognitive development. 

That has all but gone by the by. 

Handwriting, spelling, UNDERSTANDING language and literature and being cognitively aware of science and mathematics have all gone.  These days gadgetary gets you the correct answers BUT YOU DO NOT KNOW WHY THEY ARE RIGHT. 

Deep learning and substance appreciation are out the door, and rip, rush, tinsel, and glitter are the order of the day.  

And in architectural terms, lovely and steadfast old buildings with character are knocked down to be replaced by multilevel structures alive with hideous creation and reflecting creative tatt.