14 Comments

Yes!

Expand full comment

Can any thing make one happy?

Expand full comment
author

Good point. No, probably not. And definitely not a Subaru Outback.

Expand full comment

I think often of the philosophy of Epictetus. We only have our bodies and mind, but especially our mind, and if we can’t find happiness there, then nothing outside of us will ever change that.

Some say money can’t buy happiness, but it can be leased. I don’t know for, because I never tried it.

Expand full comment
author

That's an interesting idea...leasing happiness.

Expand full comment

Some guy would set up a franchise chain and ruin everything.

Expand full comment
Nov 9, 2023Liked by Robyn Ryle

Reading this right after submitting my monthly payment for my Subaru….

Expand full comment
author

Lol. Still a good car. Moved on from the Outback to the Crosstrek I have now. Not giving up on becoming a lesbian, yet.

Expand full comment

I really like what you say here, Robyn!!!

Makes so much sense.

Thank you for ‘splain’n it.

Expand full comment
author

You're welcome, as always.

Expand full comment
Nov 9, 2023Liked by Robyn Ryle

Yes! It’s the unmeasurable gains from college that helped me in my various employments. While reading Jane Austen wasn’t helpful in my work in public health statistics, our class discussions of manners and class helped me be more observant and sensitive to the different people I worked with. The group assignments in my social work classes (which I hated) definitely taught me how to cope when working with difficult people. And studying literature from other countries helped me be more receptive to the first- and second-generation immigrants I worked with. That said, we sometimes talk about getting a Subaru Outback although we’d prefer a Forester 😉

Expand full comment
author

Oh, the group assignments! Everyone hates them and yet, we spend most of our lives having to work with other people we may or may not like in order to accomplish things. Might as well get some practice at it. What a wonderful articulation of how it all matters, even Jane Austen. Or especially Jane Austen.

Expand full comment

Lesbaru? Who knew?! I wonder what other marques are favoured by different groups? Might be fun to make a list. Won't make you happy - but it might be amusing. Thanks for your writing.

Expand full comment
author

I can't say I know any off the top of my hat, but it would be amusing. And you're most welcome.

Expand full comment