Success achieved.

I have, at the age of 30, achieved complete and utter success. Other than the socio-biological demand of fathering children, I have reached the pinnacle of accomplishment. I have an easy, high-paying job that is essentially stress-free. The work is anything but physically demanding, and certainly wouldn't fall into the category of intellectually demanding either. However, it can feel relevant. My clients are huge multinationals, and they rely on the combined work of myself and my colleagues for their continued success and survival. All of my physical needs are easy to meet. I own a comfortable home (small, but conveniently located and without maintenance needs). My wife has a fulfilling job. We have free time. I read books, bike to work, kayak, etc., etc. Next week we're going to Mexico, just for fun, and staying in a mansion carved into the side of a cliff. Our dog lives a life of complete indolence and luxury. Money sits waiting in the bank. Food is always available. Medical care a mere $5 copay away.

Other than the suffering of relatives, and the self-congered social demands of friends, community, and church, we are too much at ease. There are no threats to our comfort. There are no real threats to our safety, besides a car accident or slipping in the bathroom (or falling prey to fear-mongering political leaders).

I am left to constant vigilance against the symptoms of the common cold, or worrying about heart disease thirty years from now.

This is completely unsatisfactory.