I grew up poor and we lived in a lower-middle economic class community. I agree that enjoying life is a privilege, and probably one that not many people can enjoy in the lower economic class.
But I did see many people eke out happiness with whatever they seemed to have. Some groups had family-wide soccer games in the evenings. There seemed to be informal leagues (no uniforms or dues). It was clear parents had just arrived from work and were spending time with children in the parks. There were almost daily BBQs, again, in public parks. Clothing/etc would clearly convey it was all on a tight budget, but wow, they were always happy!
For other groups, there seemed to be a rat race of studying.
Yet for others, the kids never saw their parents, they seemed to be taken from one after-school activity to another by nannies.
I'm not sure what was better - A, B, or C. My family was in the rate race category (b) and -- while I enjoy the "success" it brought -- i'm not sure if I've lived my life as much as others.
The kids in category C that went from swim practice to forced piano lessons to kumon to forced karate didnt seem that happy either (then or now.)
I'm not sure if there is an insight here, but i'd say: whether we're entitled to it or not -- if you have a moment to enjoy happiness in whatever way you can, do it. Why not?
But I did see many people eke out happiness with whatever they seemed to have. Some groups had family-wide soccer games in the evenings. There seemed to be informal leagues (no uniforms or dues). It was clear parents had just arrived from work and were spending time with children in the parks. There were almost daily BBQs, again, in public parks. Clothing/etc would clearly convey it was all on a tight budget, but wow, they were always happy!
For other groups, there seemed to be a rat race of studying.
Yet for others, the kids never saw their parents, they seemed to be taken from one after-school activity to another by nannies.
I'm not sure what was better - A, B, or C. My family was in the rate race category (b) and -- while I enjoy the "success" it brought -- i'm not sure if I've lived my life as much as others.
The kids in category C that went from swim practice to forced piano lessons to kumon to forced karate didnt seem that happy either (then or now.)
I'm not sure if there is an insight here, but i'd say: whether we're entitled to it or not -- if you have a moment to enjoy happiness in whatever way you can, do it. Why not?