Adapting to a World Without Electricity: What Would Humans Do?

Introduction

Electricity, a modern marvel that powers our daily lives, has been a fundamental part of human existence for less than a century. But what if, one day, it simply vanished? How would we adapt? This article delves into the question of whether modern humans could survive in a world without electricity, drawing from personal experiences and historical anecdotes to provide insightful perspectives.

The Past as a Guide: My Personal Experience

I, a person who lived during the period from 1940 to 1949, experienced life without the conveniences of home electricity, plumbing, and modern amenities. In this section, I will share my first-hand account of how we adapted to life without electricity in a one-bedroom shack constructed out of used railroad ties.

No Home Electricity

The shack, a simple one-bedroom dwelling located just two blocks from a railway track, had no electricity. During my formative years, I had to study under the dim light of coal oil wick lamps. Books, notes, and any documents were carefully stored to preserve the precious, limited light. Food had to be eaten immediately, as there was no refrigeration. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were fast affairs to utilize the available daylight.

No Refrigeration or Modern Conveniences

There were no electric toasters, no refrigerators, and no televisions. In the absence of such devices, people relied on the resources they had. Toasted bread was a luxury enjoyed only when a fire from the wood stove provided the warmth necessary to toast slices of bread. Food preservation was achieved through natural means, and the radio, a beloved source of entertainment, would often run out of battery power.

Survival Without Plumbing

Life without plumbing meant that water had to be drawn from a cistern well. This was a daily affair that required manual effort, as there was no electric pump or modern plumbing systems. For the sanitation needs, a wooden outhouse with a hole in a bench served as the primary facility. In winter, newspapers and catalog pages were used for wiping, while in summer, corn cobs and other available materials were employed. This apparent simplicity of life highlights the ingenuity and resilience of human beings.

Historical Context: 99% of Human History Without Electricity

Anthropologically, it's fascinating to note that humans have survived without electricity for about 99% of their existence. Until the late 19th century, electricity was an entertainment novelty rather than a necessity. People used candles and gas lanterns for lighting and often engaged in most of their activities during daylight hours. Food shopping, even for city dwellers, was a daily activity, although it was quick and efficient, as groceries were easily accessible.

The Role of Mass Media and Travel

Mass media in the pre-electricity era primarily consisted of printed materials like books, magazines, and newspapers. The steam engine-powered trains and ships facilitated travel and the exchange of information. Despite the lack of electricity, humanity managed to thrive, driven by the adaptability and innovation of the human spirit.

Imagining a World Without Modern Conveniences

The question remains: could modern humans survive without our current conveniences? If the fundamental forces of the universe were altered, as is the premise of fictional worlds, we would need to imagine a completely different set of circumstances. Electricity as we know it is one of the four core forces that hold our universe together at the atomic level. Without it, basic functions like the formation of molecules and atoms would be impossible.

However, if we imagine a scenario where physics works on different principles, we can draw parallels to the pre-electricity era. People would revert to using candles, gas lanterns, and lanterns powered by other means. Books, newspapers, and magazines would continue to be the primary sources of information, just as train and ship travel would carry people and goods.

Conclusion

While modern humans have become accustomed to the convenience and comfort provided by electricity, personal experiences and historical contexts suggest that we are not entirely helpless. We have the capacity to adapt and, to some extent, recreate the simpler, more interconnected ways of life that characterized the past. The human spirit is resilient and creative, and in the face of such a dramatic change, we would likely find new ways to survive and thrive.