Essay 1 Pre-Draft: Thesis Paragraph

Some people say that they’re rich in life with or without any significant currency in their life or their person. So what is it to be rich? Is it an evaluation in happiness? (“How Happy Are You”? by John Tierney; April 30, 2011), Are there stark contrasts/cultural differences? (“Why Conservatives Are Happier Than Liberals” by Arthur C. Brooks; July 7, 2012). Is it a question of “old vs. new” traditions? Is it surviving a traumatic experience or experiences? Or is happiness draped in poverty, plight, empathy and being humane in one’s selflessness aka philanthropy? Or is it when one is so low on the totem pole of life, that he/she has no choice and nothing to look forward to, that they’ll sit in this lowest level of status and wallow happily in their misery. See that’s the thing, this “happiness” that has everyone so culturally contrary is really just a matter of perception. Isn’t it? Hmmm…