As a youngster, I was completely vexed by this predicament, but I had no way to solve it or to understand it. I could not concentrate, and my moods fluctuated wildly. I remember a conversation with my high school roommate; a straight-A student who my parents hoped would have a good influence on me.

He always sat studying at his desk, as soon he got home from school. One day, I sat there staring blankly at the back of his head as he studied.

“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Can’t you see?! I’m studying,” he replied.
“Why arc you studying?” I asked.
“A quiz is coming up. I have to get good grades to get into a good college.”
“Why do you want to go to college?”
“To be successful.”
“What are you going to do after becoming successful?”
“Live happily.”
“What is happiness?”

Finally, he turned around, perplexed bv mv question. Being the A student he was, he sincerely wanted to answer the question. He could not find an answer; he just stared at the ceiling.