[CoffeeSaint]

I don't know, folks. I'm pretty intellectual, as in introverted and interested in learning and knowledge and philosophy and literature and such; I am also fairly smart. And, in addition to that, I'm generally quite happy. My neighbor, as far as I can tell (we don't hang out) is often not very happy: he seems pretty sullen, pretty bored, and he does the same thing over and over, most notably mowing his lawn and washing his cars. I know he takes pride in the end result, but since I don't see him singing a happy song as he mows, I can't think the actual work is pleasurable -- so overall, I doubt he's very laden with bliss.

But me? Sure, I hate my job a lot of the time, and I do suffer from some bouts of angst and ruined expectations and cynicism and such. But at the same time, my job gives me endless opportunities to amuse myself, usually at my students' expense; it also makes me feel like I'm occasionally doing something important. and fulfilling. I love my wife and my dog, and they are the only family I want or need, at least for now. I'm proud of my accomplishments, and hopeful that the future holds even brighter things for me.

And I enjoy what I do in my free time. I like coming on this forum and trading both ideas and witty repartee with all of you. I like rolling my eyes at what some of you say, and I like shaking my head in wonder at others. Sure, the state of the world depresses me, but I'm smart enough to realize that my lifetime will not seriously affect things, and thus neither will external forces affect my life except as I allow them to. I do what I can and then I ignore it.

I don't think I'm a terrible freak. I think most of you are happier than you think you are, especially in comparison to non-intellectual people. You just think too much about the bad stuff. So look on the bright side: at least you're smarter than my neighbor.