I was reading about Buddhism and a bunch of modern self-help books. The idea of obtaining nirvana by meditation and looking inward does not seem to strike a chord with me. We are social animals and we will never be fully happy. We can only be happy when we look outward and see someone else happy. The principle of losing self is the key, but it can only be achieved by looking outward and not inward. Pain and unhappiness are a part of this life. It is futile to think otherwise. All we can hope to do is thank God for the life he has provided and make the best of it.