Our Love for Cars

Written by Doris Donnerman (last updated May 25, 2010)

What is it about cars? There is something about them that touches us on a very personal level. Mankind has felt this from the introduction of the very first automobile. From Henry Ford's Model T, to the Ferraris and Porsches of today, to the concept cars of tomorrow, we love our cars. Why do we feel this way? How does it affect us personally and socially? What is this feeling that is shared by so many generations?

I remember once talking with my great-grandfather about his first car. Even though his first car was a Model T, the way he described his feelings reminded me of my first car (which was not a Model T). He said that when his eyes were first laid on that old Model T, his heart was going about a mile a minute. His palms got sweaty and his knees were weak. He was excited beyond anything he had ever known before. This is how I felt when I got behind the wheel of my first car.

How does this affect us socially and personally? As I learned from my great-grandfather, the car experience can affect us pretty deeply on a personal level. Because of this, is it any surprise that the automobile can affect us in profound ways socially, as well? For example, look at the age when most of us start dating. The age of sixteen years old is when we both start dating and start to drive. We, as a society, typically don't consider it a "real" date unless we were able to pick up our date in a car that we drive. Because of shared experiences such as these, as a society we are pretty protective of our cars.

But what is this feeling that has affected the generations? What is the single emotion that my great-grandfather, myself, and my son all share just from looking at a car? I believe the answer to this question is hope. When we look at a car, especially a beautifully designed one, we once again feel the same surge of hope we did when we first got behind the wheel—the hope of a new date, the hope of exploring the next horizon, the hope of things and experiences yet to come.

In short, when we see a car that we particularly like, we often feel young and hopeful again. We can all use a little more of this in our lives: the unfettered promise of our youthful hopes. So if you'll excuse me, I am going to get another dose of that hope. My son and I are going to drive down to the car lot and look at some cool cars.

Author Bio

Doris Donnerman

Doris is a jack of all trades, writing on a variety of topics. Her articles have helped enlighten and entertain thousands over the years. ...

MORE FROM DORIS

Ants will not Cross a Chalk or Powder Line

Because ants use pheromones to make and follow trails, you can stop ants in their tracks by using chalk or powder to ...

Discover More

Cures for the Chronic Procrastinator

Procrastination can be a one of the greatest delays a person faces in their personal or professional lives. If you find ...

Discover More

Outstanding Oatmeal Cookies

Cookies are always a hit, and it seems like oatmeal cookies are always in favor. Here is an outstanding recipe for quick ...

Discover More
More Car Tips

Driving on Wet Roads

Wet roads can present unique difficulties, even more so for the new driver. Here are some tips that can help when you are ...

Discover More

Driving Off-Road

Off-road driving can be an extremely fun and adventurous activity. Here are some basic tips for the budding off-road ...

Discover More

Driving on Gravel Roads

Driving along on country roads is one of the most wonderful pastimes a person can undertake on a beautiful afternoon. ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 9 - 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)