Nostalgia is a sentimentality for the past or a longing for things, situations or acquaintances that once occupied an individual’s life. It is a term derived from two Greek words, ‘nostos’ meaning “homecoming” or “return,” and ‘algia’ meaning “pain” or “aching.” At first glance, nostalgia seems like a positive, feel-good emotion. It can be comforting to look back on fond memories of a simpler time, happier times, and people we used to know. Nostalgia can also create a sense of belonging, connecting people to their cultural or societal roots. However, there is a dark side to nostalgia that is often overlooked – it can be a dangerous and seductive emotion that can lead to negative outcomes.
Rosy Retrospection
During my Master year in college, another student did her thesis on nostalgia and presented her findings in front of the class. She warned about the danger and gave solid arguments why we should be careful with nostalgia. I remember distinctively how I hated to hear that. At that time, I enjoyed nothing more than to invite my best friends and watch videos of our own past, and I have always felt the pull of nostalgia and loved to cater to it. It drew me back into the past, where I spent too much time eventually.
A great symbol for nostalgia is the Mirror of Erised in the first Harry Potter film where Harry sees his parents being happy and alive. Although it’s not his past, it’s of the past, making it nostalgic as well. The seductive nature of nostalgia lies in its ability to alter one’s perceptions of the past. It amplifies positive memories and overlooks negative ones, creating a skewed view of the past. This selective memory can lead to unrealistic expectations, and, as a result, people may try to recreate situations that are no longer possible. This phenomenon is often referred to as “rosy retrospection.” It can lead to disappointment and even depression when the expectations don’t match reality.
Good Old Days
Nostalgia promotes the idea of the “good old days,” convincing people that things were better in the past. This thought process often results in resistance to change and reluctance to embrace the future. This sentiment can be dangerous because it can turn into a political or social movement that advocates for policies or laws to bring back the “good old days.” This resistance could be harmful to progress and development, as the world is constantly evolving and changing.
Another danger of nostalgia is the way it can cloud an individual’s judgment. Nostalgia is a powerful emotion that can lead people to make irrational decisions, such as abandoning a successful business venture to pursue a passion from the past. It can also lead to individuals neglecting their present and future lives altogether, as they are too preoccupied with reminiscing. The danger of nostalgia lies in its ability to romanticize the past, making it seem more appealing than it actually was.
While it is entirely natural to feel nostalgic and cherish fond memories from the past, it is crucial to recognize its seductive nature and the dangers it presents. The key is to strike a balance and appreciate the present, while still valuing the past. One way to do this is by acknowledging the negative aspects of the past, rather than only focusing on the positive. This approach can help create a more realistic perception and provide a sense of gratitude for how far we have come.
Conclusion
It is imperative to recognize that nostalgia is a loaded emotion that can be both seductive and dangerous. While it can be comforting to reminisce about the past, it is essential to remember that it is only a memory. The past cannot be recreated, nor should it be romanticized. Instead, it should serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to strive for progress and growth in the present and future.
Tame Impala’s “Lost in Yesterday” is the perfect example of how nostalgia works. His lyrics sum up the phenomenon rather poignantly: “eventually terrible memories turn into great ones”
