I take the points of Dslacker and EEE when it comes to the excesses and dangers of consumerism. Most of us in the western world were raised with omnipresent commercials that bombarded us with products that on some level promised to fill whatever void we had, whether real or created by the manufacturer. Pursuit of said products can become the essence of one's life and all too often, I think it's can lead to a damn superficial one. If I can just acquire "fill in the blank", everything will be right.

I'm not with Andrew Sullivan when it comes to believing in the supernatural, but he's on to something when notes the emptiness that a lot of people experience and the need for greater meaning. As an adult, I've learned how much men (and I do think it's mostly a guy thing) define themselves by what they do. When jobs disappear and that identity is lacking, troubles arise, and men, by nature, aren't as prone as women to speak out and voice their anxieties. Self-medication can result.

I'm a proponent of living simple, smart, and small. Not always successful but trying! And I'd also encourage a whole lot of reflection as a worthy pursuit. Remember what they say about the "unexamined life"?

Peter T.