Clutch Lethophobia

Of all things that I visualize my future self hanging on to, they typically involve music, written works, and websites. Although most websites of my favor have already been discontinued with what's left being accessible only from archives. With a few exceptions, movies and television tend to have a dissipating effect for me. But media aside, there is one thing that I will surely miss in time. It's not the loss of video rentals or record shops. I embrace the practical evolution behind most things. The one thing that I am already starting to miss is the clutch.

It is quite true that the clutch is being phased out. With so many advancements being made in efficiency and more gear ratios, automatics are more practical. Even large trucks are phasing out manual drive transmissions. I'm not a mechanic, nor am I well versed in the mechanics of automotives. I have but a simple knowledge of parts and build. I do however have a love of driving. Now that which I adore is soon to be no more.

My father started teaching me how to drive a car when I was about 12 years old. The first vehicle I owned was a manual truck; A 1985 Mazda B2200. Through all the vehicles I have owned my absolute favorite was ironically an automatic 1995 Dodge Ram. I still love passing through dealerships just to entertain myself with automotive aesthetics. I envision a time when I'm an old man, and the only one driving an archaic mustang with a shifter. It is an entertaining thought however. I can see being a delight to younger generations in awe of mastery over such unnecessary functions. Even in present time many are often amazed that I, much less anyone have knowledge driving a manual vehicle. 

I believe that one of the most interesting factors is the unawareness. Some things disappear suddenly and with great intensity while others simply fade. In youth, driving was a transcending experience. It was moving from childhood into manhood. There was a distinct cultural value to it. The evolution of transportation is forever changing, but I think personal vehicles as a whole have a way to go. While I may miss the clutch, I won't miss the road. Driving was and still is one of my greatest stress relievers. The one exception of course would be in heavy traffic.

Nostalgic Appetency

Amid the ever intensely changing human experience, one easily finds longing. I find delight in the sincerity of "When we used to" and "I remember when" statements in conversation. Of the most frequent colloquial charms, one seems to be the most universal. A phrase that any living person can recognize is, "I miss that show!" It's a true statement of our present time that we can reference lifespan and era with television programming. It is with such, that I can say that entertainment media is an essential aspect to our culture. But of course, everything changes with time. It would be interesting to see how we entertain ourselves 1000 years from now, survival permitting.

I ponder on the delight in reminiscing on passing trends and fads. Why are humans so eager to abide by new standards, but long for dated ones? There is a conflict in thought between the desire to simultaneously stay relevant and old-fashioned. There are however other moving aspects that we simply just wish were still around. I find myself clinging on to items nearing demise. It is with similarity, that I experience a bittersweet emotion. Some things lose practicality, many just no longer fit to the rigid demands of the human paradigm. A question to ask is, is it worth it to lose it and forget? Are there some things worth preserving? What is the difference between a T.V. show and a crumpled photo of a friend from middle school?

It is something to think about.