Meaning: The quote by Brooks Atkinson, an American theater critic, reflects a timeless truth about human perception and memory. Atkinson suggests that throughout history, people have tended to look back on the past with nostalgia, often idealizing it as "the good old days." However, he asserts that this perception is a myth, as people living in those times did not necessarily view their era as good or ideal. Instead, they experienced their own set of crises and challenges that seemed just as intolerable as those faced by people in the present day.

This quote highlights the tendency of individuals to romanticize the past and overlook the difficulties and struggles that were prevalent during those times. It serves as a reminder that each era has its own unique set of challenges and hardships, and that the perception of the past as a more idyllic time is often a result of selective memory and nostalgia.

Throughout history, there have been numerous examples of people looking back on past periods with a sense of longing and idealization. Whether it is the "Roaring Twenties," the "Swinging Sixties," or any other era, each has been mythologized as a time of prosperity, freedom, and joy. However, the reality is often far more complex, with each era facing its own societal, political, and economic challenges.

Atkinson's quote also underscores the concept of historical relativism, which suggests that people's perceptions of the past are influenced by their own experiences and the prevailing narratives of their time. What may seem like "the good old days" to one generation may have been a period of struggle and hardship for another. This highlights the subjective nature of historical memory and the importance of critically examining and questioning nostalgic narratives about the past.

Moreover, the quote implies that the human tendency to idealize the past can hinder our ability to address the challenges and crises of the present. By perpetuating the myth of "the good old days," individuals may overlook the pressing issues and injustices that exist in their own time. This can lead to a lack of urgency in addressing current problems and a reluctance to adapt to changing circumstances.

In a broader sense, Atkinson's quote invites us to reconsider our relationship with history and memory. It encourages us to approach the past with a critical eye, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of each era. By doing so, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of history and recognize that the challenges faced by people in the past were not so different from those we face today.

Ultimately, Brooks Atkinson's quote serves as a thought-provoking reminder that the perception of "the good old days" is a subjective and mythologized construct. It challenges us to critically examine our nostalgic tendencies and to recognize that every age has its own set of crises and challenges. By embracing historical relativism and acknowledging the complexities of the past, we can gain a deeper understanding of history and a more informed perspective on the present.