History lesson

I was at my dad's house this week and he said, 'Let me show you the difference between now and then in two objects.' He brought out this clothespin that was made in the 1960s - I probably played with it as a kid in the 70s. The other, in 2025.
The clothespin on the left (1960s) is made of dense, finely-grained hardwood (maple or beech?) It has weight and warmth and still works perfectly 60+ years later.
The one on the right (2025) is made of soft, pale pine or poplar. It’s lighter, splinters easily, and the metal spring feels like it might pop off by next week. (My Dad said it was described as "extra durable" online.)
One clothespin will end up in a landfill. The other will probably hang around for a few more decades. Sometimes, you can see the trajectory of history unfolding in your palm.