If you could be born at any time in history, when would it be?

This is a journal prompt I use with many of my writing students. Many agree that life without the internet or modern technology would be quite challenging. With the lesson below, we’ll take it much further. 

History has the unique ability to evoke an immediate sense of gratitude. Contrasting the present with the past has been a central theme in my introspective journey, and it even shapes the way I approach songwriting. I believe it’s essential to step outside my own experiences and embrace a broader perspective, allowing history to inspire and enrich my creative process.

I’m often asked to teach about social-emotional needs. Rather than relying on a predictable lesson about keeping a gratitude journal—which can be beneficial, but may only resonate with a subset of students— I encourage students to use history as a lens for exploring, analyzing, and interpreting contemporary life. This approach allows them to contrast modern experiences with the often harsh realities of the past, fostering a deeper understanding of both. I have also been invited to teach this lesson at a women’s retreat, highlighting that adults can have fun with these ideas and equally benefit from this perspective. However, it’s important to recognize that not everyone in the world shares in these privileges; if you own a computer and are reading this, you are likely among the fortunate few. (The average global income is only around $12,235 per year.)

Live Like a King

Your life today? Past royalty would probably be envious. 

  • Did medieval kings, ancient pharaohs, emperors, and other rulers have candy bars?
  • Plumbing?
  • Privacy?
  • Books?
  • Medical care?
  • How about the fact they were really really really old at 35? 

Exploring historical facts through statistics is fascinating, especially when we remain focused on cultivating gratitude for what we have. In my lessons, I like to blend insights from ancient history, particularly the Medieval period, along with perspectives from cultures like the Mayans and Egyptians. My goal is to help students appreciate modern luxuries that would astound even a king. It’s time to move beyond the nostalgia of the “good old days.”

A sample of some facts students find fascinating:

  • At one time in history the color red was as valuable as gold. 
  • In sixteenth century England, one yard of red cloth cost as much as the average person earned in a month.
  • Royal purple = Tyrian Purple. The name came from Tyre, Lebanon where the snails were sourced. It took 100,000 snails to dye a decent sized amount of fabric! Now people wear purple and red all the time without thinking about it.
  • Spices and salt caused wars. Past pirates weren’t only after gold. They were after spices you can easily find in your cabinet.
  • Your chance of having the ability to read or write ANYTHING as a citizen in ancient Egypt was 3% or less. Imagine a life without reading. Pretty brutal. 
  • Human history? It’s a battle with microbes. The Bubonic Plague (AKA Black Death) from 1346-1353 claimed the lives of 75 million to 200 million in Europe and Northern Africa.
  • Medieval diet: Wheat was for the rich (aka governing class). Barely, oats, and rye for the rest of us. Imagine waking up to lots of bread, pasta, porridge, and “gruel.” Or fava beans and vegetables. Preserved fish. Wine for breakfast with a chunk of bread (even for the kids). Not a lot of variety like we have today. Variety leads to health.
  • Middle ages: Entire families shared not only a room, but a BED. It wasn’t odd for a traveler to want a warm space through the night and just hop in with you. 

For the majority of people, these intriguing historical facts reveal just how different our world is today compared to the past. From the extraordinary value of colors and spices to the stark realities of diet and living conditions, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the comforts and conveniences we often take for granted. Understanding these aspects of history not only illuminates the challenges people faced but also encourages us to cultivate gratitude for our modern lives. By acknowledging how far we’ve come, we can foster a greater sense of appreciation for the richness of our contemporary existence.

So now, I’m off to sip my tea, wash my hands in warm water, stare at my phone, and don my cozy red sweater, celebrating the simple joys of life that would leave our ancestors in awe.

Go Deeper:

Posted in Philosophy and Psychology, Social and Emotional Learning
Michelle Ptacek in a brown sweater smiles in front of a framed floral picture and globe. Her head is slightly tilted away from camera.
Michelle Ptacek - Educator, Writer, Presenter
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