Thought of the Day: Life as an American

I was reading a book today that discussed American culture and values. Paul Goodman, a social commentator said, "America has a high standard of living of low average quality." In a country that seems to have so much in regards to opportunity and wealth, there seems to be few who are actually enjoying the luxuries and conveniences. Why? In my opinion, it is because we have forgotten that real joy in life comes in the relationships that we surround our lives with...not the conveniences or luxuries that we think will make those relationships or life in general better. We spend more time trying to accomplish or attain the things that our society deems as important while we miss out on the happiness found in the simplicity of relationships.