Post in lieu of Final Exam: Effort and Resignation

So what shall we do so that we may live the most fulfilled life? Should we put in as much effort into the pursuit of happiness as we can as granted by our Declaration of Independence, or should we ride the wave of life, resigning to whatever events befall us during our short stay on this pale blue dot we call home as Carl Sagan once put it. Russel believes that there must certainly be a balance of the two, however, effort must be the catalyst. If we raise our children without effort, how will will they grow up? We, in the Western world, cannot carry around a bowl waiting for rice and necessities to be dropped as such is not ordinary within our culture. In fact, many despise such "laziness." While it is true that some who are fortunate enough to inherit a mild disposition with financial fortune and a half full cup of water may end up happy, those people are in the extreme minority. So let it be said that effort in some part is a requirement. We cannot simply resign in this society and expect happiness to fall upon us like a surprise thunderstorm. We must to some extent put the forth the effort required to ensure the safety of health and housing. As stated in the beginning, however, resignation has its place as well. So often do people expend large amounts of energy on the most minuscule of troubles. Whether it's the kitchen messing up an order at your favorite local bar, or missing the bus, a certain amount of resignation can save the energy that would be spent stuck in a moment passed, on more fulfilling matters. So it is the balance between East and West ideals, and not extremes that will provide the most likely path towards happiness.