I'm a realist also. And I've realized I can't change the world. Best I could do is raise good children, thru example, to improve it some.
My knowledge and experience says learn to sell and work as hard as possible to always find happiness. Covet the little successes in life and forget the big disappointments. The simpler you can make your life the easier you find happiness.
I've taught my kids there is in here and out there. In here is important and out there is of in-consequences. Worrying about the world is a young persons game from 18 to 22, then you have running with the wolves from 22 to 30, while finding a mate. After that it's all down hill for some or a beautiful challenge for others like me.
But no matter how I look back, the main life tip I have for anyone is be happy with what you have and you'll be happy your entire life. I don't like greed, I don't always need more. I just want comfort. And comfort is being happy with what you have. Oh and pass on what you can, to help others. Of course. Brings happiness also.
I spent my first 30 years climbing the corporate ladder to manager of marketing & sales, in a 600 employee national company. Always in a plane going somewhere, for some important reason. Stress was life. But success was not a happy life. It ruined my marriage and I became a self employed single parent to be close to home and raise 4 kids. Took of my watch, stopped worrying about anything except what goes on at home. And happiness became CHUCKIE & family! Even though we often had to use water in the kids cereal, we were happy. No more top shelf sneakers, which we found never mattered in the first place.
So there's my nutshell story, take from it what you care. I will mention one thing you already are thinking about. Health become important after 60 in my case. 30 to 60 was a pleasant blink of an eye, being a self-employed single parent of 4. But empty nesting starts concern of longevity. LOL
