As your contribution to a debate, write arguments for or against the proposition. "We are happier than our fore fathers".

Answer Details

Debate: "We Are Happier Than Our Forefathers" (Speaking For the Proposition)

Mr Chairman, panel of accurate and impartial judges, my able opponents, ladies and gentlemen. I stand before you today to support the proposition that we are happier than our forefathers. I shall convince this august house that the modern age has brought us comforts and joys that our ancestors could only dream of.

My first point, ladies and gentlemen, is that we enjoy better health and longer lives. Our forefathers were at the mercy of diseases such as smallpox, cholera and malaria, which wiped out whole families. Today, thanks to modern medicine, vaccination and improved hospitals, many of these killers have been conquered, and we live longer, healthier and therefore happier lives.

Secondly, we enjoy the immense benefits of modern technology. Our ancestors trekked for days to deliver a message; we send it across the world in seconds by telephone and the internet. They laboured under the scorching sun; we enjoy electricity, machines and comfortable transport. These conveniences save us time and toil and free us to enjoy life.

Thirdly, we have greater access to education and knowledge. Where our forefathers were largely unlettered and bound by ignorance and superstition, we now have schools, libraries and information at our fingertips. Education has opened doors of opportunity and lifted the fear that ignorance breeds.

My worthy opponents may argue that modern life brings stress, crime and pollution. I concede that our age has its problems. But, ladies and gentlemen, would any of us willingly return to a world without medicine, without electricity, without education, a world ruled by disease and superstition? Surely not. The very fact that we can debate these ideas in comfort today is itself proof of our advantage.

Mr Chairman, distinguished judges, in health, in technology and in education, our lives are richer and more comfortable than those of our forefathers. The comforts far outweigh the discomforts. I therefore urge this noble house to support the proposition that, indeed, we are happier than our forefathers.

Thank you.