In my column today, I quote a (typically) interesting and excellent piece by Daniel Hannan: “In defense of consumerism.” I then relate a memory from my childhood:
Cars were just starting to get air conditioning: luxury cars, expensive cars. And some people were aghast when they saw, in the heat of summer, cars go by with their windows rolled up. Who needed to ride around in comfort-cooled cars? What a wimp — a privileged, spoiled brat — our country had become.
Speaking for myself: Papa like his air conditioning (and other creature comforts).
A reader from our armed forces has sent me a letter, which I’d like to share with you:
I perked up at your mentioning of what a novelty AC in vehicles used to be. One of my favorite private pleasures is to watch soldiers newly back from deployment, or even a long stay in the field for a training event. They react to modern technology like a 1700s-era American colonist miraculously transported here via time travel. Air conditioning, real milk, potable water right from the tap, even something as mundane as a solid roof . . . these things all acquire the air of divinity if you haven’t enjoyed them for a few weeks or months.
Always makes me appreciate what I do for a living: looking after these kids and making sure they get home alive so they can appreciate our modern “obscene amenities.” Reminds me that it’s not a job, it’s a calling.
If you’ve ever thanked a soldier for his service in an airport and he reacted with a look of bewilderment, it’s not that he doesn’t appreciate it — he’s probably just still getting used to not being constantly drenched in sweat. Or in danger of dying at any moment.