I DON’T believe that today’s wonders are similar in kind to the wonders of the Ancient World.
They were all buildings and statues.
In the last two centuries we have seen unprecedented technical and scientific achievements.
These are surely our modern wonders.
Here is my list.
1. Computers
They have already revolutionized the way we live and work.
But it is early days for computers.
We don’t know how much they are still changing the world.
More computer wonders are yet to come.
2. Space Travel
Only a few years before men were walking on the moon, reputable scientist declared that it was impossible.
But in 1969 Neil Armstrong stepped out of his space capsule and made his famous statement: ‘that’s one small step for a men, one giant leap for mankind’.
3. Medical Science
Surely nothing has done more for the comfort and happiness of mankind than the advance of medical knowledge!
How many millions of people have benefited from the humble aspirin?
How many lives has penicillin saved?
Average life expectancy in Europe has risen dramatically over the last hundred years, from about 50 years in 1906 to about 75 years today.
4. Holidays
Yes holidays! In fact there have always been holidays.
In ancient Rome there where more than 150 a year.
Bur a holiday used to mean simply a day when you didn’t work.
Now holidaymakers travel to all parts of the world.
Perhaps you don’t like so many tourists in your country, but you must agree that a phenomenon witch sees the populations of Greece treble in summer, and which sends office workers and shop assistants to Spain, Turkey, or the Caribbean is a wonder of the world.
5. The Olympic Games
It is true that the Olympic Games are now commercialized and there is greed and drugs abuse.
However, it is a competition in which every country in the world takes part.
Every four years, for a brief moment, we see these countries come together in peace and friendship.
We feel hope again for the future of mankind.