Man can be an endlessly powerful creature with infinite possibilities for what one can accomplish. Sadly, it is a common condition to become confused, afraid and never reach true happiness. I believe one should live by having a healthy relationship with their self and surroundings, full utilization of intellect and physique, and an understanding of what it truly means to be happy.
The only asset one truly ever has to give is one's time, which is free to be given (or wasted) on what you choose. Anything that you invest your time and energy in becomes a part of you, whether it is positive or negative. What piece of your self you put out into that action gets replaced in you by what it is that you did. Know yourself and where you are putting your energy, because if you are not careful it can easily get sucked dry right out of you. Remember everyday that you are your only teacher and guide you will ever need. Confidence to step outside, change, grow, or be different is the only sacrifice one must make to fully utilize one's time and abilities. Every one is given the same gift of a life, to use or to waste.
Man is a product and child of nature no different than any other animal; through out nature nearly all species shares common traits with us right down to our genetic code. It is inescapable that we are part of the earth and we are responsible for our actions. Life is not given out freely for us to consume until our miniscule existence is blotted out; we must earn our place here. One must live with respect to their surroundings, understanding of their own relationship to nature, and care for the planet. Alternative and different living may soon be the only option for a sustainable society as most people have no disregard to their impact on the environment. Life did not begin when you were born, does not end when you die and has to go on long after you leave. We can no longer afford to design things only to last ourselves, we must design them to work for everyone, forever.
Objects have become the subject of our desire and goal of our time, without consideration for what is being replaced by them. Mindless consumption is taught to be the most important sought after life style; that happiness comes through purchasing. If one finds their happiness through cold, dead materials then one will be hallow inside. Happiness comes from the relationships one puts their time into building and whether we are in control of our choices. Men have dangerously mistaken Standard of Living for Quality of Life. Standard of Living is the bare minimum at which one gets by, despite how rewarding the life is. Those that think this is the goal are sadly misled. As far one chooses to push themselves is their Quality of Life. Thirty years grinding away in a repetitive paralyzing job and working is a way to trade your life for materials.
The most hilarious and depressing fact of the entire existence that is known as a human life is that one is in full control the entire time. Illusions, deceptions or lies in the environment and fear, ignorance or apathy in ones self lead to the delusion not being in control. One should have an existence that takes into account the affects on its environment including nature, other human beings, and them self. One should not be a hoarder of assets and objects, but a collector of rewarding companions. All the concepts and abilities of how one should live are inside us and all one must do is look inward.