By: Jerry Zhang
If someone were to ask me, “If you could go back in time for a week without changing anything in your life, what time period would you choose?” my response would be, “This time period.” This may seem like a surprising or unexciting choice; however, it is the most sensible option.
While the past is full of incredible events, significant discoveries, and influential figures, such as the meteor that killed the dinosaurs, the discovery of antibiotics, and people like Napolean Bonaparte, it is also a time of immense hardships and dangers. Our modern society provides us with numerous comforts and conveniences that we often take for granted. Things like air conditioning, technology, safety measures, and other amenities make our lives much easier. Without these, many of us would struggle to survive, even for just a week in the past.
Moreover, surviving in the past would be a challenge. If I traveled extremely far back in time, how would I even manage to stay alive? I wouldn’t be able to communicate in the language of that time to get myself out of trouble, I wouldn’t have easy access to food and water since I don’t speak their language or have money, and I wouldn’t have a place to stay during that week. Even if this were in the modern day or my lifetime, it would still be a challenge because I don’t have any money. It would be especially weird if a copy of your kid suddenly showed up at your house begging for something to eat.
These are just the basic potential dangers one could encounter when traveling into the past. Before the 20th century, medical knowledge was not as advanced. A simple infection could be fatal. More serious illnesses such as smallpox, cholera, and tuberculosis, which can be treated today, could not be managed in the past.
Even though I would return to my time as my normal self, facing all of those difficulties makes the prospect of exploring the streets of Rome, watching the construction of the Pyramids, and witnessing the eruption of Pompeii a whole lot less appealing. If you want to experience a gladiator match in the Colosseum, be my guest. However, I’ll be lounging on my sofa, watching TV, and snacking on some chips while you experience all the action.