Since the time we are young, we are taught that only wealth, fame, power and material success will secure our future. Based on these beliefs, we are
encouraged to study hard, and once we have graduated from universities, we are expected to work hard and earn lots of money thinking that in doing so, we will live happily ever after. However, in the process, we tend to forget a few important things. We may not have noticed the tremendous pressure we have been under from the time we were young. Due to living under this kind of pressure which pushes us to pursue material success, we may have missed so many beautiful moments in our lives with family and friends. Even if we go through all the steps expected of us in pursuit of material success, it is not guaranteed that we will attain everything we want, or that we will be able to keep whatever we attain, because everything in life is impermanent. If we keep on in the pursuit of material success, the day may come when we realize that what we were hoping for is unrealistic and not meaningful, and it may be only at this point that we wish we could go back and enjoy all the lost moments with friends and family, but at this point it will be too late. Therefore, it is important to realize now that life is precious, and possessions do not bring genuine happiness. We must simply be contented with who we are and what we have, and most importantly, we should work hard for meaningful aims. It is in this way that we may be happy both within and with others, and find the true purpose of our lives.