so cracked

"The lives we lead today are longer than those of our parents, but more hectic. I can't imagine the world, my kids will inherit when they are my age. It frightens me. Our culture is just like the junk food we live on: It fills you up without the distracting burden of nourishment. An average person exposed to television, movies and magazines is overwhelmed by messages that arouse, stimulate and suggest that the answer to all problems is the same: gratification. Have a beer, take a pill, roll on the deodorant, get a whopper, just do it."

..Human beings feel best when they're spending time face to face, particularly in times of adversity or when they're feeling threatened. if nothing else, we learned that from September 11. We define ourselves by the way we relate to other people. We get deep, lasting and meaningful satisfaction from giving selflessly to and being present with, others. We develop trust. We feel better about ourselves and our world. This is what we've forgotten: Our decisions should be made on the basis of what's most healthy, not what will satisfy me the quickest. Live with integrity and a clear sense of right and wrong. Consider consequences. Listen to the inner voice of your instinct as carefully as a doctor checks your heartbeat. This is what I wish, we all knew to do.

..I'm saying that I don't think happiness should be the goal...
Mental health is defined by one's ability to be fully present and integrated in reality. Of course, that reality may not always be happy. There might be negative experiences. In fact, there will be negative experiences, days that are downright crappy, moments or even years so painful you'll ask why such shit is happening to you. But if you are mentally healthy, you will be able to tolerate such experiences, regulate your emotions. And in the end, you will be nourished by something more real than merely "feeling good".

- Dr. Drew Pinsky, "Cracked"