I definitely agree with this sentiment. I lived in the Philippines for over a year and I was expecting the people to have the kind of sadness I would see in the

I definitely agree with this sentiment. I lived in the Philippines for over a year and I was expecting the people to have the kind of sadness I would see in the commercials they sometimes show in the US for charities and such. In my first area, in the Phillipines, out in the rural boondocks I saw a lot of poverty, but I also saw a surprisingly large amount of happiness and a deep community atmosphere. The people were so kind and thoughtful. I didn’t ask them about their aspirations all that often, but they often seemed content with their life as it was. Every once in a while you would get someone who had higher ambitions e.g. those who wanted to move out into the city. Seeing their contentment and the time I spent there helped me realize that happiness doesn’t need to come from material things and having more than everyone else. I feel American culture has often tried to teach me otherwise. Sad.