What We Still Have

We all want something we don’t have. David Sedaris discusses his wish to have lived like his partner Hugh did. Although he lived an average, American life, Sedaris draws parallels to Hugh’s very different lifestyle in Africa, but also describes the obvious contrasts between the two. It is odd that he uses examples that portray Hugh’s life as one full with conflicts to express his desire of living this life. Normally, people would opt out of living in a place where you “find a dead man hanging from a telephone pole” after you watch a movie about a talking car. It seems that Sedaris’ only motive to desire this lifestyle is to have something to talk about at parties. I agree that people always want what they don’t have, but we should also acknowledge aspects in our life that only we have. For example, Sedaris should be content with the secure lifestyle he lived and Hugh should be proud of the numerous challenges he conquered and the exotic lifestyle he lived. This may seem ridiculous, but it is an important step to be truly happy with your own life. Comparison and contrast is a great way to show what others have, but sometimes it is important to focus on and be proud of what you have in your life.