The happiest I have ever been was when I was living out of a tent and backpack. The climbing lifestyle meant I had virtually no money, living in isolated camp sites with like minded and similarly "poor people". We lived simply and enjoyed things as they were. We knew we were poor, never discussed material possessions, and never discussed the future much. Just what we would like to do for the next trip. The thing was, we thought and felt like we were millionaires, we were completely free and utterly care less. As I have progressively accumulated more and more things, I have never recaptured the moments from back then. But every day, I wonder whether I could actually step back, and go back there. I wish I could. Regards; Warren Lewington Technical Writer Compliance and Enforcement ________________________________ From: austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Terry Dowling Sent: Thursday, 13 January 2011 11:42 AM To: austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: atw: Re: The 2011 Index of Economic Freedom ... Well, the tome on 'Labor Freedom' certainly doesn't read like worker rights. I wonder how much economic freedom opponents of the Singaporean (ranked 2) govt have. I remember reading a happiness index some years ago when Ireland was the poorest economy in Europe and had the happiest population. Then as their wealth increased, so did their misery. Kevin McCloud's visit to the slums of India showed a surprising level of happiness that I think most of us do not aspire to achieve because it would require sacrifices in material wealth. Cheers, Terry Before printing, please consider the environment. IMPORTANT NOTICE: This e-mail and any attachment to it are intended only to be read or used by the named addressee. It is confidential and may contain legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistaken transmission to you. The RTA is not responsible for any unauthorised alterations to this e-mail or attachment to it. Views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, and are not necessarily the views of the RTA. If you receive this e-mail in error, please immediately delete it from your system and notify the sender. You must not disclose, copy or use any part of this e-mail if you are not the intended recipient.