Historically, a lot of young men went off prospecting for gold, or became lumberjacks, or went to sea hunting whales or trading with China. Men don’t always fit into “normal society” and some sort of release valve is needed. Colonialism was also useful in this.
Today, most release valves have gone away. Video games in Mom’s basement is the next best thing.
Very interesting observation!
Used to be folks tired of the Society around them joined the Military...
Or joined the priesthood, or a monastery.
Yep, no frontiers to explore, every place you might visit looks exactly like where you just left, the same stores, restaraunts. No adventure, no risk, just female-approved roles to fulfill.
Yup. Cowboys used to living in a cabin during the winter, mostly by themselves. Solitary confinement for 5 months.
Who wants to play a part in what modern societies offer today anyway? Me? I’m off in the mountains. I want nothing more to do with society - other than to burn it down and start over, of course.
I think you make some very valid and interesting points. A related issue is that one no longer gets any respect for risk taking.
Exactly whey we need to reach for the stars, even using generation ships if required.
I really appreciate your observation. Makes me a little less upset with my adult son.
This also makes me think back of reading about “hobos” and seeing them in movies...not to mention songs (”King of the Road” by Roger Miller comes to mind).