Happiness.
On the electronic billboard in front of the local high school, there is a message that reads, "Do what makes you happy." This statement is intended to inspire positive aspirations amongst the student body. I remember receiving a similar message growing up, which made me imagine accomplishing great things and becoming a notable individual who would be admired by my peers. However, I'm increasingly cynical of this statement. Doing what makes only YOU happy can quickly become meaningless and unfulfilling, especially when we realize that our culture's pursuit of happiness is closer to hedonism. More useful aspirational statements might be, "Find Joy in the Struggle", or "Do hard things to build character", or maybe even, "Who are you, and what is your purpose?"
