Life was a lot simpler when what we honored was father and mother

In the tapestry of human existence, there are times when we find ourselves lost in the currents of modern life, swept away by the waves of convenience, consumption, and the pursuit of fleeting desires. In these moments, the words of Robert Orben resonate with a profound truth: “Life was a lot simpler when what we honored was father and mother rather than all major credit cards.” These words are a call to reflection, a reminder that the essence of life lies not in the accumulation of wealth or material possessions, but in the values and relationships that form the core of a truly meaningful existence.

The simplicity Orben speaks of is not one born of ignorance, but one of clarity. When honor was given to the family, to the foundation of love and care that our parents provided, life was centered on connection, wisdom, and human bonds. In times past, societies honored the elderly, revered the teachings of parents, and upheld the importance of family as the cornerstone of a strong, unified community. It was not the material wealth that was praised, but the wisdom, sacrifice, and guidance that parents bestowed upon their children. Life, in its most authentic form, was not about the pursuit of credit, but about the cultivation of values and the nurturing of relationships.

Consider the ancient Greeks, who revered their gods, but also placed immense value on the family unit. In Greek society, the father was seen as the head of the household, and the role of the mother was one of nurturing and teaching. The values they imparted to their children were not based on acquiring riches or power, but on the development of character, virtue, and wisdom. The Greeks understood that a society could not stand without the foundation of strong, honorable families—that it was parents, not credit cards, who shaped the future of the nation.

In more recent history, we see the transformation of societies, especially with the rise of industrialization and the consumer culture. The advent of capitalism brought with it a new set of values, where wealth, status, and material success became the measuring rods by which a person’s worth was determined. The importance of the family and the wisdom of elders began to fade, replaced by the clamor for luxuries and instant gratification. The credit card—that modern symbol of instant access to material desires—became a measure of a person’s freedom, success, and even identity. In a world driven by the desire to acquire more, the values that once united families and societies seemed increasingly distant.

Yet, Orben’s reflection reminds us that this shift toward materialism is not without consequence. When credit cards become the new standard of value, when the pursuit of things replaces the pursuit of relationships, society becomes fractured, and individuals become disconnected from the deeper purpose of life. We are no longer guided by the wisdom of our parents, but by the temptations of a world that tells us that happiness lies in what we can buy. It is in these moments of disconnect that we lose sight of what truly matters—the love, the wisdom, and the support that only family can provide.

In the ancient world, the greatest treasure was not the accumulation of gold, but the building of character, the cultivation of wisdom, and the nurturing of family bonds. The family was the first school, the first society, and the first foundation upon which the future was built. In the modern age, Orben’s words urge us to remember that while the world may change, the values that once made us strong—honor, respect, and love—remain timeless. These values are the bedrock of any society, and it is upon them that the greatest civilizations have been built.

Thus, the lesson we must carry with us is this: let us not be consumed by the material world, nor define ourselves by the things we possess. Instead, let us honor our parents, our families, and the relationships that nourish our souls. Let us return to the simplicity of life that is built upon human connection and the deep wisdom that only family can provide. Let us teach the future generations not to chase after wealth, but to chase after truth, virtue, and love. Only when we honor what truly matters—those who gave us life and those we hold dear—can we find the meaning that transcends the fleeting allure of possessions.