What Is Best?

Does anyone really know what is best? We try to do the right thing, follow our belief systems, and adhere to morals...but what does that get us? The best part of a good life is spent setting, seeking, revising, and attaining goals.

A Chinese Philosopher once wrote (paraphrased), "It is not the destination but the journey which brings happiness and gives life." This statement must be regarded as wise--regardless of the culture from which a person originates. Essentially it says "Do your best and the outcome won't matter."

There is value and a sense of self-worth which  comes from hard work. When we work hard and pursue goals we feel best and truly make a difference. In contrast, those who attain "the Good Life" early or without hard work often fail to appreciate the sacrifices required to earn it. Much like a body building antibodies for disease control and resistance to infection, if we become accustomed to liberal doses of medicines or anti-bacterial treatments, it won't be long before those culprits mutate and multiply, creating antibiotic-resistant strains for which there are no easy cures.

Imagine how minor aches and pains (headaches, sore muscles, etc)--easily treatable now with aspirin or Ibuprofen--would appear if cures required overnight  hospital stays.

Further along this point, when those living "the Good Life" become accustomed to certain pleasures, avoiding deprivations and attaining expectations, the inherent weakness becomes "following the path of least resistance."

In the long run the Objective of Life should be to work hard, appreciate the contributions of others, and be satisfied with a varied existence.