David,

For the past two hours I have been trying to decide how to respond to your post. Your observation is pertinent, but your analysis ("That it would have somehow have destroyed something that I could not name") is brilliant.

My question: Are we really richer? Financially, of course, yes. But are we? I have been practicing in a relatively poor area for 25 years. Some of the poorest people are truly some of the richest. Why? Faith and family. All the material things that we work so hard for are, ultimately, unsatisfying (although, granted, very nice to have.)

Solomon, if we believe the biblical account, was perhaps the smartest, and certainly one of the richest, people who ever lived. The Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes summarizes his feelings, presumably written close to the end of his life. He speaks of wealth, wisdom, riches, and earthly pleasures as ultimately being meaningless. His conclusion? "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

So how do I respond to your post?

Do what you can. In your life, and in your practice, respect this man. Treat him as you would have him treat you. Appreciate what you have, but realize that it is temporary.

Again, thanks for the thoughtful post.

Gene

Gene Nallin MD solo family practice with one PA Cumberland, Md