In a small fishing village, in a land far away, the folks there for generations had led relatively long healthy lives. They didn't have a lot, but they had decent housing, clean water and enough to eat. Most of all though they had each other. It was a close knit community, everyone was roughly equal, there was never any thought about trying to do better than the neighbours, what was good for each individual was good for the village. The men would go out fishing early in the morning and usually be back by mid afternoon. They would have a light meal with the families, then play with the children on the beach. Come evening everyone would sit around communally for the main meal, there would be music, singing and some performances. Later into the evening smaller groups would form to play cards or other local games, all light hearted and never taken too seriously. As the 21st century came around one of the sons was an exceptionally gifted student. He did so well at his studies that he received a scholarship to Harvard. 6 years later after his degree and an internship at a large financial institution he returned home. The long journey didn't seem to fatigue him for he was so excited about his plans for the village! As he sat before the village elders, his father among them, he quickly sketched out a plan for financing 10 new deep sea ocean going fishing boats. He had calculated that if they worked hard for the next 7 years, utilising the boats for 18 hour days then they could own them out right. Then if they continued working at this rate for another 10 years then they could all retire wealthy men! Sitting there in silence for some time, his father eventually spoke up, he said, son what is it you propose that we do with all this money when we retire. His son answered almost incredulously, well you would be able to play with your grandchildren on the beach, take time out to play music, play cards at your leisure!
Hahaha, thats vaguely how I remember this story, the impact was- never put off thinking you can buy happiness, unless you are starving or homeless, the only time to be happy is NOW. And most of what makes us happy is free.
Galle Fort Sri Lanka reminded me so much of this, they really didn't have a lot, but there was such a strong sense of community and everyone got together for sunset along the fort wall and just hung out and had fun.
Photography