The average American believes there is nothing worse than being average. For him, this realm of the unacceptable ordinary is attained simply by not being extraordinary. If you don’t make six figures, own an SUV to plow through the suburbs, or have a 3-car garage in which to park that beast, you’re not living up to your potential. In stark contrast to the masses of materialist America, though, all the Cortonese remain entirely contented with their lot in life, no matter what societal role they may assume. Surrounded by the insurmountable beauty of the Tuscan countryside, just existing in Cortona seems to be enough. Although the February 14th festivities might officially honor St. Valentine, they did more to annunciate the townspeople’s ability to celebrate life in their relatively humble setting. With a vibrant festival in which all the townspeople joined, “Cortona in Love” emphasized the Cortonese’s love for life. This attitude of utter fulfillment in the locals is almost impossible to miss. The grocer always greets his customers with a smile that seems ready to leap off of his face, chuckling as he picks out fruit. Looking at him, it seems that in the entire world there could not be a single person happier to be selling an orange. The same holds true for every deli or café owner across town. Every visit begins with a smile and ends with the same. Even the waiters serving our dinners find ways to get every ounce of enjoyment from their jobs. Never would I have thought that giving someone far more food than they asked for—over and over again—would be as funny as it is. And they love it. Why is it, though, that these working class people can be so content with their social standing, while most Americans working as waiters can’t wait to get out? Because we venerate the “American Dream” and rehash its importance from the cradle to the grave. The most revered citizens in our society are those that embody the rags-to-riches story. Of course it’s inspiring when those few manage to move up the social ladder, but inevitably throngs of people won’t be able to do so, despite their efforts. These are the people left resenting their jobs, their home, and their livelihood. They’re left too busy trying to pull themselves up by their bootstraps that they can’t focus on where their boots are solidly planted. When you obsess about where you could be versus where you are, you forget to live the life you have. At 14 children must essentially pick which field of study they want to remain in for the rest of their lives. And, while this may have its clear disadvantages, these students are not told their entire lives that they need to be something better than themselves. Without a constant focus on mobility, it’s easier to better your life as opposed to searching for a new one that may never even come. It’s an ideology very different from America’s, but it works in Cortona. With America sliding into the worst financial crisis it’s seen in decades, perhaps its citizens should take a lesson from the Cortonese. Material wealth should have little impact on the happiness one finds in living—it’s the same whether you’re a billionaire or a bag-boy.
January 1989: Joel’s birth is heralded in newspapers across Chicago as the most attractive and well-endowed infant in decades October 1993: His works in the finger-painting medium begin to garner international attention, most of which remains on display in the Louvre today November 1994: He quickly leaps to the top of his 1st grade class for his mastery of such difficult spellings as “friend” and “because” December 1995: Upon receiving his first guitar for Christmas, Joel soon wows the nation with his heartfelt rendition of “Pop Goes the Weasel,” soon climbing to the top of the billboard music charts. October 1995: representatives from major universities nationwide come to scout Joel as he demolishes his 3rd grade competition on the ice hockey rink. July 2000: Joel spends his first week at Camp Anokijig where his aptitude for pranks, hookups, and general revelry earn him an almost immediate legendary status. June 2007: Continuing his trend of scholastic excellence began in his elementary school days, Joel graduates high school Cum Laude. After turning his back on the plethora of scholarships offered, he opted instead for a scholarly pursuit at the University of Wisconsin. Future plans include a life of philanthropy, crime fighting, and nude posing for Rick “The Silver Fox” Johnson.
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