Advantage of simplicity

As I peered into many people’s lives, those of which I have never nearly imagined before, I came to recognize something missing from each of these people. When I looked into each of their eyes, young or old, their blank stares seemed as though they were ignorant of a certain aspect of life: this, I came to realize, was privilege.

Now don’t misunderstand my interpretation of the living conditions in this country. It is possible in Guyana, as is anywhere in the world, to have nice possessions and a clean dwelling. Throughout my trip, I met many sincerely kind people, people who I have never met before but still greeted my family and me with love and hospitality. Many of the stops we made into homes along the way were for people who filled my parents’ childhood, and some who they haven’t seen for decades. However, they never hesitated to fill our guts with delicious food and great conversation.

In many ways, this country proves the sheer resilience of mankind. To have Indian people brought over to the middle of a rainforest, places where the Dutch and British were to0 afraid to inhabit themselves, and force them to extract resources for their own gain is dreadful. Nevertheless, my ancestors conquered this massive swamp and were able to create a small independent country through painstaking, studious labor.

Guyanese people continue to thrive and are able to find comfort in their homes so far from their roots. They aren’t driven by greed but instead believe they are never short of anything. They lead their lives with simplicity, which many of us in the U.S. may see as Venician.

Although they may not have the luxuries of our modern world, they live without a concept of what they lack. Ultimately, isn’t this what we all strive for? Whether it comes from ignorance of the opportunities out there or from the undying greed of materialistic things, we all are just searching for satisfaction in our lives. In terms of being readily satisfied with our own worldly possessions, my home country wins.