In Mexico, there are buses that take you to and from small towns and arrive at the larger cities. Many Mexicans take them for work-related reasons, but it’s still public transit, so you can take the bus for whatever reason.
I took one yesterday and noticed a little girl around the age of 10 getting off the bus. Her friend was already waiting for her. When the little girl got off, they immediately started running around, smiling and having fun.
Seeing their happy expressions despite the dirt roads and broken down buildings looked like a movie scene. I realized much isn’t needed to be satisfied, that being happy is being surrounded by good company.
But I also realized that infrastructure, houses, and income aren’t good indicators for people’s well-being.
In developed countries, a standard of living is used to measure people’s well-being in relation to the economy. A standard of living is also used in developing countries, but it becomes harder to calculate.
Mexico’s standard of living can be calculated, but seeing the two girls playing made me question why. Here, there is not such thing as a standard of living, only living.
Because what standard is there to begin with?
Here’s my inspiration for the day.