Myths

Myth:  A widely held but false belief or idea; a traditional story involving some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.

Here are some myths in Western society according to Jack Kornfield:

The myth of materialism and possessiveness that says worldly goods lead to happiness.  Stuff!  It's just stuff!  And once our basic needs are comfortably met stuff can cause as much trouble as no stuff.  I shake my head in wonder at billionaires who bitch because their tax burden is so high.

The myth of achievement and success that says position and stature leads to happiness.  It's nice to achieve and be recognized but when is enough enough?

The myth of youth that says we will not be happy when we are no longer young.  As demonstrably false a myth as exists in our culture.  Study after study reveals that people are happier as they get older, despite the increasing loss of physical function, the loss of friends and family,  a peaceful acceptance begins to manifest itself.  Yet, we live in a culture that promises eternal adolescence is the answer to all our woes.

The myth that individualism and competition leads to happiness.  It leads to isolation and loneliness. Be yourself, certainly, but look around and see that you're just one small cog in a very large and complex machine.