In an era ruled by digital convenience and high-tech innovation, the massive power outage that affected Portugal (I was in Portugal) and parts of Spain was more than just a temporary inconvenience—it was a stark reminder of our increasing dependence on technology and the risks that come with it. As cities went dark, transport systems halted, and communication lines went silent, people found themselves disoriented and unprepared. This unexpected blackout has become a powerful symbol of the need to hold on to “old school” tools, methods, and mindsets that are too often discarded in favour of modernity.
The power outage, believed to have been caused by a failure in the high-voltage electrical network, exposed just how vulnerable modern societies are when basic services are stripped away. Daily routines—like navigating cities using GPS, paying for goods with cards, or even accessing emergency services—became immediate challenges. In these moments, the absence of simple backup systems was keenly felt. For many, it was the first time they realised that having a paper map, a torch that doesn’t require charging, a battery-powered radio, or even a notepad and pencil could be lifesaving tools. (Most of us don’t even know how to use a paper map!) I had a solar-powered radio handy, which I tuned in to learn about yesterday’s events.
We live in a time where convenience is king. Cloud storage replaces paper documents, smart home systems run everything from heating to lighting, and digital communication has replaced hand-written letters or landline conversations. Yet, when power vanishes, all this innovation can become useless in seconds. If the outage taught us anything, it’s that the best plan for the future includes a respect for the past. Personally, I have a print copy of important stuff, and I don’t like using any “clouds” .
Schools once taught children how to read analogue clocks, write in cursive, and use encyclopaedias. Today, many of those skills are viewed as outdated. But when the digital world goes down, the analogue world steps in. A mechanical watch still tells time. A hand-cranked can opener still gets you food. A book doesn’t need batteries. These “old school” objects are more than just relics—they’re reliable lifelines in times of crisis. I love going old school, but as a 63-year-old, I have watched from old school to modern AI-driven internet exposure on every level!
Moreover, the outage highlighted a deeper truth: resilience lies in diversity, not dependence. Depending solely on a fragile power grid, a single internet provider, or one mode of transport is a recipe for vulnerability. Old-school tools and practices offer diversity in our systems. They provide a kind of human infrastructure—simple, sturdy, and ready to be used when the lights go out. In Lisbon and other areas, when we lost internet and electricity, they sat on the grass, talking, no heads bowed into a screen! How cool was that! I think everyone needed that 8-hour break!
Let us also not forget the emotional value of old-school practices. Writing a letter by hand during a power outage might offer comfort. Playing board games by candlelight brings families together. Reading a book by the window, rather than scrolling through a screen, offers peace. These are not just backups—they’re beautiful alternatives. And no light pollution, that was pretty, watching the sunset in darkness, the power of nature, eh!
The Portugal and Spain power outage should not be dismissed as a passing inconvenience but remembered as a wake-up call. As we race forward with technology, we must also look back and gather the tools, skills, and mindsets that helped generations before us endure uncertainty. Keeping old-school things handy isn’t about resisting change—it’s about being prepared, being grounded, and recognising the enduring power of the simple things in life. The lights may go out again, but with the right tools—both modern and old-fashioned—we don’t have to be left in the dark. I would assume that after this happened ,things might change, and better alternatives might come into play. Whatever your thoughts are on this ,I think having modern and old school side by side is essential.
Julan62 