You Can't Always Get What You Want

Cadillac Ranch
Amarillo, TX

Sometimes you get a tune in your head and you just can't shake it.  The Rolling Stones "You can't always get what you want" keeps running over and over in my head today. For a generation that grew up on self gratification the message is somewhat odd to hear.

Buddhist believe that it is desire and self that are the impediments to personal happiness. I believe that their is some truth behind that belief. If we let go, we in fact improve our chances of being ok with ourselves.  This belief was perpetuated also by Henry David Thoreau. He stressed the value of simplicity and getting rid of what owns you.

For a nation of consumers this message is at odds with the billions spent on advertising. We pin our happiness on obtaining more not less. Transportation is not transportation but rather a means of self expression. It's interesting to note that whichever vehicle brand you choose, it will eventually be shredded in less than five minutes.  Ironically, the scrap price will be about the same regardless of which brand you choose.

All of this should give you pause. What we think has value may have very little value and may be the impediment to your happiness. Keep it simple and see what happens.