1910: The year the modern world lost its mind
13 days ago
- #modernism
- #technology
- #history
- The early 20th century was a period of rapid technological change, including the rise of automobiles, bicycles, and airplanes, which caused widespread anxiety and a sense of disorientation.
- Critics and moralists of the time feared that new technologies like bicycles and cars would lead to moral decay and physical harm, particularly for women.
- The era saw a surge in mental health issues, termed 'neurasthenia' or 'American Nervousness,' particularly among white-collar workers overwhelmed by the pace of modern life.
- Artists like Stravinsky, Kandinsky, and Picasso responded to the chaos of modernity by incorporating primal and ancient influences into their work, leading to groundbreaking movements in music and abstract art.
- Intellectuals such as Max Weber and Sigmund Freud offered contrasting theories on human nature, with Weber linking capitalism to Protestant work ethics and Freud highlighting the psychological toll of modern society on individual psyche.
- The parallels between the early 1900s and today highlight recurring themes of technological disruption, social anxiety, and the search for meaning in rapidly changing times.