One seldom hears work described as a calling anymore. Work may be “interesting” and “Creative” or dull and boring. It may bring status or indifference – and not in any sense in relation to its real value. Our lives are disrupted far more severely when garbage collectors stop working than when ball players do. Work may bring great monetary rewards or bare subsistence. But we almost never ask what it means and what it serves. For most, though certainly not all of us, if it makes money, that’s reason enough. Why do it? Simple. It pays.

...........................

That such professionals can “enjoy” their work without the slightest qualms about its ultimate value or consequences surely testifies to the effective repression of questions about meaning and purpose in our modern economy. These privileged workers do not ache – not outwardly, at least. Or perhaps the rewards they receive – money, stimulation, power, status – for their morally dubious products act like morphine to deaden any pangs of regret.

          ~ Affluenza – John de Graaf, David Wann, Thomas H. Naylor

Ironically, I purchased this book about overconsumption...

...........................

• My typing speed has increased from 70 wpm to a whopping 71 wpm.
• I will never again misspell vinaigrette, ciabatta, mozzarella, focaccia and other assorted Italian words.
• If ever in Mexico, Cuba, Japan or Greece, I will be able to speak the native tongue and order food… and do nothing else.
• I know what lengua, chevon and black pudding (hint: it's not J-E-L-L-O) are, though wish I didn't.
• After typing descriptions like "beef chunks stewed in its own natural juices" and "tender meat flaking off the bone," I have reaffirmed my vegetarianism.
• I have 342 new meal ideas
• You can gauge the classiness of a restaurant by whether they have bleu cheese or blue cheese - also by the price of their entrees.