America loves awards and recognition, the key to fame. Remember the Wizard of Oz giving the scarecrow a diploma? The official (to whom?) piece of paper, the dimestore medal for courage, the baroque-font university degree, all validate the effort and experience of hard work, yet anyone with a printer and convincingly manufactured testimony can form a foundation out of thin air. The lifestyle one adopts in the rejection of social programming is the living proof, the national treasure of unconventional thought, the seeds of contentment to be out of the rat study. The superior mouse climbs the perimeter wall rather than repetitiously seeking the food or addictive substance planted in the maze. The badge of honor you wear is the success of happiness, the personal identity in an infectious smile, the enthusiasm of the day ahead.
The greatest reward is staying out, away from retreat. Buy yourself a tea, enroll in an adult education course. The minimal money this costs is an investment in your peace of mind and a stimulant to personal growth.
Awards and Recognition
