They say that humans are engaged in a crude struggle all the world over. Whether that struggle is for food, shelter, security, washing machines, iPhones, or self-realization depends on where you happen to be born. So a great majority of lives are defined by suffering. And money, above a certain income that is lower than you would think, doesn’t make you happy. What really makes you happy is serving others. Serving a purpose higher than yourself. But human beings probably won’t make it another 10,000 years, maybe not even 1,000. So what matters then is the small improvements you can make in the lives of others. The extent to which you can give joy, hope, and security to other people. To children. To single mothers. To families who didn’t grow up with all the advantages you had. To those who come to the US seeking a better life and end up living in overcrowded housing in South LA.