May you live in interesting times is reputed to be the English translation of an ancient Chinese proverb, the first of three of increasing ‘cursedness’, the other two being:

• May you come to the attention of those in authority.
• May you find what you are looking for.

Anyway, a quick Google search will reveal many references to the saying, and others, if one is so minded.

Perhaps more apt to this Post is the Chinese saying, “It’s better to be a dog in a peaceful time than be a man in a chaotic period”

However, to the point of this essay.  Although the writer is living outside the UK there are still regular phone calls to family and friends, mainly in London and the South-East of England.  It was fascinating to hear from a recent call just how many changes are taking place as a result of the economic pressures on society.

People are shunning restaurants but taking a strong interest in home cooking.  Thus the sale of vegetable seeds has blossomed (sorry about the pun!) together with recipes, and the like.

Many are very scared at losing their jobs so voluntary job change has slumped.

The annual Summer holiday migration has been not to Spain or other European hot spots but to places within the United Kingdom.  So travel agencies and airlines have been suffering but English tourism benefiting.

There is a blitz mentality in the air (as in the Second World war) with people ‘bunkering’ down in many ways.  Strangely, there is almost a feeling of satisfaction of having to rise to the challenge.

It would be surprising if these sorts of changes were not happening across many countries, which leads to a simple thought.

Are we now living through a historic turning point in terms of attitudes and behaviours?

By Paul Handover

• Core thought