Brief Hiatus

Writ·er's block, n., a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece of writing. Much to think about lately and little motivation (or time) to write. It will pass I'm sure. But in the meantime, here is an excerpt from an excellent article by Robert H. Frank, a writer and professor of economics at the business school at Cornell (bio here), in which he theorizes why a number of research studies have concluded there is little correlation between wealth and personal happiness: "Does money buy happiness? Considerable evidence suggests that if we use an increase in our incomes, as many of us do, simply to buy bigger houses and more expensive cars, then we do not end up any happier than before. But if we use an increase in our incomes to buy more of certain inconspicuous goods–such as freedom from a long commute or a stressful job–then the evidence paints a very different picture. The less we spend on conspicuous consumption goods, the better we can afford to alleviate congestion; and the more time we can devote to family and friends, to exercise, sleep, travel, and other restorative activities. On the best available evidence, reallocating our time and money in these and similar ways would result in healthier, longer– and happier–lives" (link here). Sounds like an interesting argument from another socially progressive Berkeley doctoral graduate. Frank is a Cal grad and former Peace Corps volunteer.