THE GOOD LIFE
A popular Internet joke goes something like this:
A secretary, a paralegal, and a partner in a big law firm are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it, and a genie comes out in a puff of smoke. The genie says, “I usually grant three wishes, so I’ll give each of you just one.”
“Me first!” says the secretary. “I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.” POOF! She’s gone.
“Me next!” says the paralegal. “I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of piña coladas, and the love of my life.” POFF! He’s gone.
“You’re next!” the genie says to the partner.
The partner says, “I want those two back in the office right after lunch.”
We’ve been told for ages that we can “have it all.” But there’s too much to do, not enough time—and no magic lamp to do it for us. And we wouldn’t even want it all if we didn’t think it would make us happy.
