Wealth can’t buy you happiness. I see more contentment amongst those raised in deprived circumstances, who built lifelong relationships that have stood the test of time, than I ever saw in myself, with all our privilege and opportunities.
Living in a big house in the suburbs in my youth brought me nothing but loneliness, my friends from childhood left behind. Those in the inner city, meanwhile, built a great community spirit that persists even to this day.
Perhaps that’s the reason I didn’t pursue the way of life I knew in my youth for my own family. Perhaps my children’s inner happiness is more important to me than wealth or status.
It is better that our house is alive to the clamour of visitors. It’s better that we feel alive.
Last modified: 17 March 2022
