One of the things I most enjoy about all of the vignettes in Einstein's Dreams is that there is always a group that I can relate to. In this one there are those who live high up in the mountains, those who don't live quite as high, and those who don't care and live in the valley. I feel as if I'm one of those living in the valley.

The prefix hum- as found in "humble" means low to the ground, and I believe this vignette captures that. Those living on ground level don't have the unnecessary desire to live "a few seconds" more because in the grand scheme of things, it's un-observable. Those living in the mountains spend way too much time worrying about those few extra seconds that they don't even get to enjoy their "elongated" life.

I can relate most with those living in the valley because I feel as if I've been trying to convince those living in the mountains that the grass is truly greener (grass can't even grow at that altitude). I know that there are many things that make certain people happy, but I'm not convinced for one second that a life spent worrying about trivial nonsense is a happy life. Who cares if a person makes one million dollars? A recent poll showed that the happiest of our population make $50,000-$75,000 annually. Anymore and people became less happy.

I feel as if I've stumbled upon that realization and can't shake it. The realization being contentment. I suppose that's not really too big of a discovery and I cannot possibly take credit for discovering that. But more and more I'm understanding the power of contentment and its relationship with perspective. If you come to the realization that don't need the next Ab Cruncher 5000 or iDevice, then you'll perceive yourself as making enough money.

And seriously, when did we become so disillusioned to believe money is everything? Too often I'll see people blinded by a desire for money that they neglect their family, their health, a greater sense purpose. Again, I know everyone has a right to pursue what makes them happy. But I'm not convinced that living in the mountains is the best way to spend one's life. Then again, I could just be a naive 21 year old.