Antiquity in Modernity

The importance of finding subtle moments of history in our everyday lives.

Although I would not go so far as to use the cliché of ‘I was born in the wrong age’, I often feel that a modern existence is not for me. Oftentimes it feels characterless, inauthentic, or impersonal. I sometimes find myself lost in the mundane nature of contemporary living, particularly during busy moments. This routinisation and dullness have been exacerbated by living almost entirely online for over a year; everything from my academics to recreation has been within the confines of a screen. I almost don’t recognise myself without the technology on which I am so reliant.

For the reasons I talked about, I enjoy imbuing my very contemporary life with subtle, sometimes almost imperceptible, elements of the past. A few of these which I would like to elaborate on are antique collecting, letter writing, and the use of candles. Each helps me take back moments from modern life and make them slow, conscious, and intentional. Though subtle, these moments are integral to my life.

Note on ‘The Basket of Flowers’ Credit: Chloe Chuck

Antique collecting

A love of antiques was passed down to me by my dad. His house is filled to the brim with beautiful findings from the antiques centre, and I notice how my small room is quickly heading in the same direction. I can easily spend hours perusing the thousands of items in my local antiques centre, admiring and musing over their individual histories. The writer in me loves to imagine whose hands have touched each item, and what their life was like. Sometimes I can find little hints; for instance, I own a copy of ‘The Basket of Flowers’, and on the inside of the front cover is penned a brief but loving message: “Annie Louisa Green/ A Present/ From Mrs Rylath/ 1886”. To me, a sentimentalist, this inscription is a sweet moment which has been captured in ink forever. I love to run my fingertips along the cursive and think of how Mrs Rylath’s fountain pen touched those spots 135 years ago.

This is evidence that antiques are items which have many lifetimes. My own personal memories are tied to acquiring or using them. By owning them, these pieces are imbued with an entirely new sense of sentimentality. Perhaps 135 years after I am gone, Annie’s book will end up in the hands of an individual who will continue to appreciate the lettering in the front cover as much as I do. Being surrounded by antiques, I feel somehow grounded. Not only do I love the irreplicable character they possess, but I also find them calming. They are items completely disconnected from modern technologies and are instead tangible things with curiosities and peculiarities.

Letter writing

Despite having written at length in a previous piece on the lost art of letter writing, I feel such a connection to it that I feel compelled to speak of it again, and how it has cultivated the slow, conscious, and intentional moments I spoke of at the beginning. I have spoken before on how letter writing has been lost to static and monolithic digital communication—undoubtedly the more convenient method of communicating—transcending geographic and temporal borders in an instant. However, I find the drawn-out ritual of letter writing to be one of its most attractive features. Consciously taking time from my day to pen letters to a friend, address the envelope, and include things such as short poems or printed photographs is just a joy. I find the ritual of it all cathartic and love the thought that another person might gain a moment of happiness from my letter too. I am a firm believer that letter writing is not an art form that should be left to rot in the past. I keep this from happening in my own life by intentionally carving out time from my week to pen a letter to a faraway friend or family member.

The following remains one of my favourite quotes about handwritten letters: “A letter always seemed to me like immortality because it is the mind alone without corporeal friend.” (Emily Dickinson). This certainly resonates with me, as I find writing a letter to be one of the most isolated of human acts, as it is only thoughts, paper, and ink, all of which are unable to be supplemented by capabilities of modern technological methods.

Credit: Joanna Kosinska

Candles

Although I am very appreciative of – and practically reliant upon – the wonders of electricity, I still enjoy including candles in my space. I enjoy reading and writing by partial candlelight; the flickering of the light which brightens and dulls the page is mellowing for me; staring into the flame is one of my most preferred forms of academic procrastination. I find it to create a sense of intimacy and gentleness which forms the perfect backdrop for letter writing. As seems to be the tendency with everything I have discussed, candles develop a moment of stillness in a world which seems, at times, unfathomably fast.

Overall, I enjoy finding little ways to breathe elements of antiquity into modern existence. Particularly when life can often feel altogether too suffocating, finding these few things in which I can be fully conscious has been a salvation.

Comments

comments

324 thoughts on “Antiquity in Modernity

  1. Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the imageson this blog loading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my endor if it’s the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.

  2. You really make it seem really easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I believe I might never understand. It seems too complex and extremely huge for me. I’m looking forward in your subsequent submit, I will try to get the grasp of it!

  3. I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic.I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.Thanks for great info I was looking for this info for my mission.

  4. Line pipeline is used for pipelines that carry oil, gas, water, and oil under pressure. Get brand-new, key grade stainless-steel and also carbon line pipe from Crestwood Tubulars.

  5. Pingback: itsmasum.com
  6. Hello, you used to write magnificent, but the last several posts have been kinda boringK I miss your great writings. Past several posts are just a little out of track! come on!

  7. Good day! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post remindsme of my previous room mate! He always keptchatting about this. I will forward this post to him.Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanksfor sharing!

  8. Hey there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone!Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and lookforward to all your posts! Keep up the excellent work!

  9. whoah this blog is excellent i really like reading your articles.Keep up the great work! You already know, a lot of persons are looking round forthis info, you could help them greatly.

  10. You can certainly see your skills within the workyou write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as youwho aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart.

  11. Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Finding thetime and actual effort to create a superb article…but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never manageto get nearly anything done.Here is my blog … Reneaux

  12. Hello there, just was aware of your blog thru Google, and found that it is truly informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful when you continue this in future. A lot of folks will be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!

  13. พนันบอลอย่างไรให้ได้เงิน พนันบอลชนะอย่างไรผิดโกง UFABET จ่ายจริงจ่ายไม่ยั้งระบบเข้าใจง่าย เพียงคลิกสมัครก็ทำเงินได้โดยง่ายกับคาสิโนออนไลน์ สบายสุดๆชีวิตชิวๆชีวิตคลูๆทำเงิน สร้างผลกำไรสบายๆจำเป็นต้องที่ UFABET

  14. Hello my loved one! I wish to say that this article is amazing, great written and include approximately all important infos. I would like to see more posts like this.

  15. I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this blog. I really hope to see the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal blog now 😉

  16. Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was looking for! “Fear not that thy life shall come to an end, but rather fear that it shall never have a beginning.” by John Henry Cardinal Newman.

  17. Hi, I do believe this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may return yet again sinceI saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich andcontinue to help other people.

  18. This is the appropriate blog for anyone who desires to seek out out about this topic. You realize a lot its nearly arduous to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You undoubtedly put a brand new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Great stuff, simply great!

  19. I do accept as true with all the ideas you’ve presented for your post. They’re really convincing and can certainly work. Still, the posts are too brief for novices. May you please extend them a little from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.

  20. I needed to thank you for this very good read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I’ve got you book marked to check out new things you postÖ

  21. Wow! This can be one particular of the most useful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Wonderful. I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort.

  22. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say fantastic blog!

  23. Whatís Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely helpful and it has helped me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & assist different users like its aided me. Great job.

  24. Amazing issues here. I am very happy to peer your article.Thank you a lot and I’m looking ahead to contact you. Will youkindly drop me a mail?Also visit my blog post … NZT 48 Pills

  25. I savour, result in I discovered just what I used to be having alook for. You have ended my four day long hunt!God Bless you man. Have a great day. ByeAlso visit my blog … id test mega88

  26. sende hesab?n? büyütüp en iyi ve kaliteli takipçilere sahip olmak ad?nahementakip2018.com u tercih ederek instagram takipçi sat?n alabilirsin..instagram Takipçi Sat?n AlLoading…

  27. Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specifically the closing phase 🙂 I handle such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  28. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.

  29. This is a really good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate informationÖ Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!

  30. constantly i used to read smaller posts which as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this paragraph which I am reading here.

  31. Asking questions are genuinely fastidious thing if youare not understanding anything completely, but this article presents fastidious understanding yet.

  32. Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and foundthat it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.I will be grateful if you continue this in future.Lots of people will be benefited from your writing.Cheers!

  33. I get pleasure from, result in I discovered just whatI used to be having a look for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt!God Bless you man. Have a nice day. ByeAlso visit my blog … บทความน่าสนใจ

  34. I blog frequently and I genuinely appreciate your content. Your article has truly peaked my interest. I will book mark your blog and keep checking for new details about once per week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.

  35. Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will come back down the road. I want to encourage that you continue your great writing, have a nice afternoon!

  36. Thanks for finally writing about > ليسرقوا هاتفه:’يوسف’ والشلة انهوا حياة الطالب المتفوق ‘أحمد’…وهذه الرسالة الاخيرة التي كان قد ارسلها!

  37. I’ve seen articles on these topics a few times, but I think your writing is the cleanest I’ve ever seen. I would like to refer to your article on my blog and write it. 카지노사이트

  38. I?m not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for great information I was looking for this info for my mission.

  39. A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment.There’s no doubt that that you ought to write more aboutthis subject, it may not be a taboo matter but usually folks don’t speak about such topics.To the next! Cheers!!

  40. Thanks for the good writeup. It if truth be told was once a entertainmentaccount it. Glance advanced to more introduced agreeable fromyou! By the way, how can we communicate?

  41. I do not even understand how I stopped up right here, but I assumed this post was once good.I don’t recognize who you might be howevercertainly you are going to a famous blogger when you aren’t already.Cheers!

  42. Howdy! I could have sworn Iíve been to this blog before but after going through many of the articles I realized itís new to me. Anyhow, Iím definitely happy I discovered it and Iíll be bookmarking it and checking back often!

  43. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks

  44. Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he just bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch!

  45. I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You are amazing! Thanks!

  46. 424532 758605Excellent read, I just passed this onto a friend who was performing some research on that. And he really bought me lunch since I identified it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch! 942175

  47. I wanted to thank you for this good read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bitof it. I have you book marked to check out newthings you post…

  48. Wow! This can be one particular of the most useful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Great. I’m also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your effort.

  49. I think other website proprietors should take this site as an model, very clean and fantastic user genial style and design, as well as the content. You are an expert in this topic!

  50. Thank you, I have recently been searching for info about this topic for a while and yours is the best I’ve discovered till now. However, what about the conclusion? Are you certain about the supply?

  51. I’m curious to find out what blog platform you are using? I’m having some small security issues with my latest blog and I’d like to find something more secure. Do you have any solutions?

  52. Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

  53. An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  54. Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one? Thanks a lot!

  55. Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.

  56. F*ckin’ awesome things here. I’m very happy to peer your post.Thanks a lot and i am having a look ahead to contact you.Will you kindly drop me a mail?Feel free to visit my blog: marijuana seeds

  57. Howdy! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the excellent work!

  58. A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you need to write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people don’t talk about these issues. To the next! Cheers!!

  59. hello!,I really like your writing very much! share we keep in touch more approximately your post on AOL?I require an expert on this house to solve my problem.May be that’s you! Looking ahead to peer you.

  60. Hello there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Many thanks

  61. Hey There. I discovered your blog the usage of msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your helpful information. Thank you for the post. I will certainly return.

  62. Thank you for some other magnificent post. The place else may anyone get thatkind of information in such a perfect way of writing?I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am atthe look for such information.

  63. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  64. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.

  65. Hey! I just wanted to ask iif you ever have any problemswith hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard workdue to no backup. Do you have any methods too prevent hackers?

  66. I love what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever workand exposure! Keep up the very good works guys I’veincorporated you guys to my own blogroll.

  67. Aw, this was an extremely good post. Finding the time and actual effort to create a superb article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

  68. You could definitely see your expertise in the article you write.The sector hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe.Always follow your heart.

  69. Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to generate a top notch article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.

  70. Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board skin care and acne, Zachery, I in finding It truly helpful & it helped me outmuch. I hope to offer something again and aid others like you helped me.

  71. Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to generate a top notch articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t manage to get anything done.

  72. I love what you guys tend to be up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I’ve added you guys to our blogroll.

  73. You can certainly see your skills in the paintings you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart. “No man should marry until he has studied anatomy and dissected at least one woman.” by Honore’ de Balzac.

  74. Thanks, I’ve just been searching for info approximately this topic for ages and yours is the best I’ve found out till now. But, what concerning the conclusion? Are you certain in regards to the source?

  75. Hello there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thank you

  76. Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a superb articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I hesitate a whole lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

  77. Generally I do not learn article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very compelled me to try and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thank you, very great article.

  78. Hello! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. Appreciate it!

  79. hey there and thank you for your info – I have definitely picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise some technical points using this website, as I experienced to reload the web site a lot of times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and can damage your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for much more of your respective fascinating content. Ensure that you update this again very soon..

  80. I do like the manner in which you have framed this particular problem and it really does present me some fodder for thought. However, from everything that I have experienced, I basically trust as the reviews stack on that individuals remain on point and in no way start upon a tirade associated with some other news du jour. Anyway, thank you for this fantastic point and while I do not go along with it in totality, I respect your perspective.

  81. Pingback: Kampus Tertua
  82. What Is LeanBiome?LeanBiome is a natural weight loss supplement that reverses bacterial imbalance in your gut microbiome with the help of nine science-backed lean bacteria species with Greenselect Phytosome, a caffeine-free green tea extract crafted with patented

  83. I like the valuable info you provide for your articles.I’ll bookmark your blog and check again right here frequently.I am reasonably certain I will be told plenty of new stuff proper right here!Good luck for the following!

  84. Pingback: Kuliah Online
  85. Pingback: 918kiss
  86. Hi! I could have sworn Iíve been to your blog before but after going through many of the posts I realized itís new to me. Regardless, Iím certainly delighted I stumbled upon it and Iíll be bookmarking it and checking back often!

  87. HdybWa Normally I do not learn article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very compelled me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice article.

  88. Howdy very cool website!! Man .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionallyKI’m glad to find so many helpful info here within the submit, we’d like develop extra techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  89. Thank you for some other wonderful post. The place else could anyone get that type of info in such a perfect method of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the search for such info.

  90. Hi my friend! I wish to say that this post is amazing, great written and include approximately all important infos. I’d like to peer extra posts like this.

  91. Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. But just imagine if you added some great visuals or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this site could definitely be one of the most beneficial in its field. Good blog!

  92. I have fun with, lead to I found just what I was having a look for.You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man.Have a nice day. Byemy blog post: carslot88

  93. I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues? A small number of my blog readers have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome. Do you have any suggestions to help fix this problem?

  94. Thank you, I’ve recently been looking for info approximately this subject for a while and yoursis the best I’ve discovered so far. However, whatin regards to the bottom line? Are you certain concerning thesource?

  95. When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!

  96. Hi! I could have sworn Iíve been to this blog before but after going through a few of the articles I realized itís new to me. Regardless, Iím certainly pleased I found it and Iíll be bookmarking it and checking back often!

  97. A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I do think that you should write more on this subject, it may not be a taboo matter but generally people do not talk about such topics. To the next! All the best!!

  98. Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to your blog before but after looking at a few of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely pleased I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back often!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE STAND