My Thanksgiving turkey is acquired, home, and brining, and it's time for a bit of reflection on gratitude. Naturally, I'm thankful for my family and friends, for modern medicine, and to The Motley Fool for taking me on this year, among many other things. But recently it occurred to me that I should be thankful for something else: the here and now.
I mean, living in the 21st century just rocks, doesn't it?
Yes, yes, we still have war and disease and pollution and famine and lousy sitcoms, though there are signs that we're starting to get a grip on some of those things. On a smaller, more personal scale, though, this is a pretty cool time to be alive.
Knowledge is everywhere
Consider this one small example: Fifteen years ago, if you wanted a particular book, you had a few options. You could try a local bookstore (a Barnes & Noble
Of course, if the book in question was out of print, things got harder. If your local libraries and used bookstores couldn't come up with it, you were usually out of luck.
Now? I can locate almost any English-language book printed in the last hundred years within a few minutes. If Amazon
The global flea market
Books make a great example, but of course, nowadays you can find nearly anything for sale, thanks to the Internet. If a quick Web search doesn't turn up a vendor who has what you want, there's eBay
It's not just the Internet
While I love the Internet -- don't we all? -- there's more to the 21st century's awesomeness than the Web. Speaking of cars, they're cleaner and more efficient than ever, and getting cleaner every year -- while still being fun to drive and affordable. Twenty years ago, who would have imagined a global brawl between GM
And if you don't like that lousy sitcom, you've got hundreds of other choices -- available instantly, any time. I tell ya, it's a great time to be here.
See how other Fools are giving thanks: