I wonder if primitive civilisations suffered the same problem. I doubt it... they were probably too busy meeting their basic survival needs to spin webs of woe in their minds.
It's ironic that in a society where the average man arguably has "everything" he needs... good health, good healthcare, abundant food, a sturdy roof over his head, and all the material comforts anyone could wish for... that he can be unhappy.
American writer and critic Barbara Johnson wrote about an experience on the way home from work, and how it changed her perspective of life:
The day started out rotten. I overslept and was late for work. Everything that happened at the office contributed to my nervous frenzy. By the time I reached the bus stop for my homeward trip, my stomach was one big knot.
As usual, the bus was late - and jammed. I had to stand in the aisle. As the lurching vehicle pulled me in all directions, my gloom deepened.
Then I heard a deep voice from up front, "Beautiful day, isn't it?"
Because of the crowd, I could not see the man, but I could hear him as he continued to comment on the spring scenery, calling attention to each approaching landmark. This church. That park, That cemetery. That firehouse. Soon, all the passengers were gazing out the windows. This man's enthusiasm was so contagious that I found myself smiling for the first time that day.
We reached my stop. Maneuvering toward the door, I got a look at our "guide" - a plump figure with a black beard, wearing dark glasses, and carrying a thin white cane.
Sometimes, we get so preoccupied with making a living that we forget to live. We forget that the world, with all its problems, is still a really rather wonderful and miraculous place. And that this life, with all its upsets and disappointments, its misery and pain, its sharp points and apparent pointlessness, is still fabulously, wonderfully worth living and enjoying.
Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd
