I'm currently reading a book entitled "The Rational Optimist" by Matt Ridley. It's a great book for putting things into perspective- it's also described as "a triumphant blast on the vuvuzela of common sense." by Boris Johnson. So what more could you want?
I can't agree more with the sentiment of the book- that we live in a time where we are wealthier, healthier, happier, cleaner and more long-lived than any previous generation. I've always believed that my generation, in this western society that I inhabit, is extremely lucky to be around at the time we are currently occupying. Not only do we have all the necessities, but can actually afford much of the luxuries that are around today.
One of them luxuries would be time. How much time do we get to spend doing as we please? Quite a lot, really, in comparison with our ancestors- who had to spend the majority of their time wondering where their next meal came from, or where a clean source of water was. Now, with the benefit of shared resources, shared technology and shared knowledge, we get to spend more time doing the things we really do enjoy.
Whether that time be filled with art, music, cooking, reading, meeting friends or even just browsing the internet, it's still time we get to ourselves.
That's the true measure of prosperity, the time you get to enjoy yourself. Just do what makes you happy*.
*unless of course that happiness revolves around murder, rape or touching children inappropriately.
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