The perception is that the we in the US are richer. Are we really? The more third world countries I go to and the more simplistic the society, the happier I see people as a whole. Here in the US, we are too busy chasing the carrot on the end of the stick while slaving away to materialism and consumerism.
BTW, a trend I see reversing over the next few years. Many Americans aren't buying the junk made in China anymore and may not for awhile.
And yeah, Brother Jazzbo, that story about the fisherman is one of my favorites. Although it ends with the fisherman asking what he will do after working so hard for 20 years, and the businessman says, "retire to a small a village and go fishing everyday."
PURA VIDA!