Geoffrey Chaucer: 'By nature, men love newfangledness.'

By nature, men love newfangledness.

In Geoffrey Chaucer's famed quote, 'By nature, men love newfangledness,' he encapsulates the inherent inclination of human beings towards novelty and change. On a surface level, the meaning of this quote can be interpreted as a reflection of our fundamental desire for excitement and innovation. Many of us are attracted to the latest gadgets, fashion trends, or even exploring uncharted territories - the allure of something new and shiny is hard to resist. Chaucer's words remind us that our love for newfangledness is an intrinsic aspect of human nature. However, let us delve deeper into a philosophical concept that adds an unexpected twist to the discussion on novelty: the theory of existentialism.Existentialism, a worldview popularized in the 20th century by philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, offers a thought-provoking juxtaposition to Chaucer's quote. At its core, existentialism asserts that individuals must create their own meaning and purpose in life, as opposed to relying on external systems or beliefs. It emphasizes the subjective nature of human existence and the freedom we possess to make choices. This philosophical perspective challenges the notion of our love for newfangledness, suggesting that perhaps our desire for novelty stems from a subconscious yearning for meaning and purpose.While Chaucer's quote focuses on the surface-level admiration for the new, existentialism prompts us to question whether this attraction is merely a distraction from the underlying search for significance. Could our constant pursuit of new experiences and possessions be an attempt to fill an existential void, a quest to find meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and devoid of purpose? This philosophical lens offers an intriguing counterpoint, illustrating the complexity of human nature and the underlying motivations driving our love for newfangledness.On one hand, our affinity for newfangledness can be seen as an expression of our innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge. It is through the exploration of the unfamiliar that we expand our horizons, broaden our understanding, and push the boundaries of what is possible. Just as our ancestors harnessed fire and invented the wheel, our love for newfangledness has driven centuries of progress and innovation. Without this innate desire to seek out what is novel and undiscovered, our world would be stagnant.However, existentialism challenges us to reflect on the motivations behind our pursuit of newfangledness. Are we genuinely seeking fulfillment, or are we merely seeking temporary distractions from the existential questions that plague our consciousness? Perhaps we use our infatuation with the new as a means to avoid confronting the deeper, more profound questions of existence – questions that demand introspection and self-reflection.Ultimately, both Chaucer's quote and existentialism shed light on the multifaceted nature of human desires. Our love for newfangledness encapsulates the duality of our existence, simultaneously fueling progress while potentially distracting us from the deeper truths of life. While innovation and novelty undoubtedly bring excitement and advancement, it is crucial to maintain a balance and cultivate a reflective approach that acknowledges the underlying search for meaning and purpose.Chaucer's quote, in its brevity, conceals a depth of introspection that warrants further exploration. By acknowledging the paradoxical nature of our love for newfangledness through the lens of existentialism, we gain a richer understanding of our motivations and the profound questions that underlie our human experience. Thus, let us celebrate our curiosity and embrace the ever-changing world around us, while also understanding the importance of introspection and seeking authenticity amidst the allure of the new.