CHAPTER 28 – A Nation on the Wing

In Chapter 28, “A Nation on the Wing,” from “Worldly Ways and Byways,” the author reflects on the transient nature of life and home ownership among the affluent at the turn of the century. He begins with a personal anecdote about being shown around a newly-built, large residence by its owner, who has designed it with the future possibility of converting it into an apartment house in mind. This planning reflects a forward-thinking, albeit somewhat dispassionate approach to what is traditionally seen as a family home, underlining an acceptance of change and impermanence.

The narrative then shifts to broader examples illustrating this theme of changeability and transience. An elderly, childless couple gives away their possessions to live as “Bohemians,” embodying a desire to break free from the material ties of a settled life. This behavior points to a societal shift towards nomadism, spurred by wealth and the ability to travel freely.

The author muses on the impact of such lifestyles on traditional values like home life and community bonds. With frequent relocations, the concept of a family home where multiple generations grow up becomes increasingly rare, affecting the development of deep personal and community ties.

Interspersed with these observations are broader societal reflections on the allure of travel and the globe-trotting tendencies of not just Americans but also Europeans. The onset of “personally conducted” tours and the massive increase in tourism are highlighted as indicators of this burgeoning wanderlust, which, while enriching, may also dilute the sense of community and continuity.

The chapter concludes with a speculative look into the future, imagining a world where incessant travel becomes the norm, further eroding stationary cultural and social structures. This phenomenon is tied back to an inherent nomadic strain in human nature, exacerbated by wealth and technological advancements in transportation.

Through these reflections, the author presents a nuanced view of the social transformations unfolding at the time, marked by a move away from permanence and deep-rooted community life towards a more fluid and transient global society.