Now there’s a term that’s been tossed around for years. Back in the Leave-it-to-Beaver era of the fifties, it revolved around white picket fenced houses with crew cut-headed kids, smiling parents and almost no worries. That was before sex, drugs, terrorism, and obesity. Now we have to deal with those issues and the complexity of our technology-filled world. The Internet has spawned a generation of online spam, home-based businesses, global shopping, and a myriad of opportunities, both good and bad. So, in 2007, what constitutes the good life?
Is it being free from want? In other words, is it the absent of something bad or the presence of something good? Do we desire the security of a guaranteed income and relatively good health? Or do we want protection from disease, crime, and an assault on our basic liberties? We all strive for a better life, but we have different definitions of what that really means. Depending on your background and upbringing, it could be a simple as a decent meal three times a day and a roof over your head. Many in Baghdad would relish a safe house and the ability to eat in peace.
But Americans are spoiled and demand more. More widescreen HD plasma TV’s, more cell phones, bigger SUV’s and larger houses. We look at celebrities with their wealth and good looks and wonder how they got so lucky. So we buy their designer handbags and perfume, hoping to look and smell like them. And does that make us happy? No? Then when will it? We should be thankful for the simple pleasures but rarely are. Yet we Americans enjoy one of the highest standards of living on the planet. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in Bangladesh or Ethiopia? You’ve seen footage of starving children on TV as your munch on another slice of a Pizza Hut loaded supreme. Does it ever give you pause to consider how lucky you really are? If not, what would?
Even those on welfare are far better off than most third-world people. That’s why Mexicans risk life and limb on a treacherous journey across the Sonoran desert in 110 degree heat each summer just to set foot on American soil. We offer a lifestyle that they could never imagine in their native homeland. So I ask you once again, what is the good life? Can you honestly be happy with what you already have or do you always think that there must be more out there? It’s human nature to dream and hope to improve their lot.
There is nothing wrong with striving to be a better person, husband, wife, provider, or friend. But you also must recognize when you’ve already achieved a certain modicum of success. And, while you many not be like the Beaver’s dad or have a lifestyle such as the Donald’s, enjoying the richness that life has given you may not be the worse thing that you could do. Actually, the worst thing would be to take it for granted and not realize how fortunate you are. Then the way you are living is for naught and I should know because I’m a father. And, like another fifties adage, Father Knows Best.
Jeffrey Hauser – Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in …