Roberta M. Helming: True Happiness Isn't Found in Today's Techno-Gagets

Having none of the modern conveniences of today, the lives of early Homo Sapiens was difficult, but so are our lives – despite all the modern conveniences. It seems as though the early Homo sapiens had an overall better life, regardless of the fact that their very existence required them to forge for food and firewood, exercise and socialize.


Now let’s fast forward to the 21st century where we find the unquenchable need in some individuals for every modern convenience of our time – something that is slowly killing us. Among us has evolved individuals wanting (in an almost instinctual manner) the latest and greatest “toys” available – even “camping” outside of Best Buy in order to be among the first to get the latest and greatest devices. This instinct actually runs counter to the species from which we evolved.


Two hundred thousand years ago, Homo sapiens didn’t seek out material possessions for themselves only. They were actually part of a hunter and gather society, sharing their responsibilities and their findings, basic staples – food and firewood, with others.

Instinctually, they knew that in order to survive, they had to work in bands (small groups) and they forged for food. And special attention was given to helping expectant mothers or mothers who had just given birth to ensure the newborn survived and could benefit the band in the future. (No “Single Welfare Moms” 200,000 years ago.)


They were very socially, responsible, interacting not by cell phones and Facebook, but rather one-on-one, up close and personal. This brought them a more peaceful lifestyle, living true to the manner in which their bodies and minds had evolved. Now we, including our minds, evolved from this and our minds are still geared toward hunting and gathering and social interaction.


Unfortunately, in our society, we have less and less human interaction. As an example, just last week, while attempting to contact a human being via a telephone, regarding an on-line question, I was asked by an answering machine to leave my e-mail address – not a phone number. Is this the “wave” of the future?
The early Homo sapien hunters and gatherers’ life kept them healthy and at a good weight. For in order for them to eat they had to work, be active. The nature of their survival required them to exercise. Our problem today – one doesn’t even have to leave the car to go into Burger King, rather one can drive up and order the double Whopper with supersized fries and a milk shake.


Like the early Homo sapiens, our bodies are meant to exercise and socialize. And without both, the resultant sedentary lifestyle, primarily of hiding behind electronic devices, has brought to our society an alarming amount of obesity and resultant illnesses.


We truly could learn a lot from the early Homo sapiens. They had to be resourceful, creative, and adaptive. They had to possess the inner desire to work to take care of themselves during the daytime hours. And at the end of the day, they built their fires and interacted face-to-face with those in their group.

Bringing this all around to today, Facebook is not to be excluded from people’s lives, but it needs to be kept in perspective and coupled with some quality social activities. And since we also need exercise, it could be fun to organize a group of Facebook or other friends into an introductory exercise program, i.e., walking through the mall or parking the car a little farther from the store.


It is key to realize that purchasing the latest gadget isn’t going to make our lives easier and make us happier. It is more likely going to add complexity, especially if we buy it on credit and have to determine how to pay for it – perhaps requiring a second job.


A lifestyle change whereby we are not slaves to our possessions is key, for it frees up our day to sit on the lawn and read a book or go to the beach. The less possessions we are slaves to, requiring less work, the more time we have to engage in a pleasurable activity.


It is worth noting that in seeking happiness in possessions, true happiness will never be found. The permanent address for happiness is in our minds, hearts and souls. In not finding it there, one must evaluate and come to understand what must be done in order to reach those fountains of happiness that are ours to claim from within.


We only have one life, remove the “electronic” toxicity and realize no matter one’s age, a brief moment of happiness is better than decades of misery.


© Roberta M. Helming
kulwckifan@aol.com