Ah, “the rat race”. A term used so often to describe the fast-paced way people live to achieve success. It's also something our economy thrives on. You wouldn't think so, but it's true. That's why I chose it as the topic of my essay. It's the need to go to work in the morning to spend another day kissing ass and working like a dog, so maybe you can have enough money to live on. Until, of course, you're walking home and you see the cutest little thing in the shop window and that little voice in your head says, "oh honey, this is just perfect, you absolutely have to have it." That voice gets everyone in trouble, doesn't it? The image on the cover of this report describes “the rat race” perfectly. Our world is an endless cycle of earning and spending. (Sorry if I offend the smart ones who actually SAVE). Our economy thrives on stupid spending. Eighty dollar jeans here, one hundred and fifty dollar sneakers there. Things that were once considered a luxury have now become necessities. Cell phones, pagers, these are now things people need rather than want to have. The economic state is now superficially based. “Oh look, they have a Rolex, a suit and a cell phone, they must be rich”! In case anyone hadn't noticed, everyone and their mom has a cell phone these days whether they can afford it or not, the dress is probably a cheap model from some famous designer, and the "Rolex" is probably one of those "ten dollar and ten dollars" " offers. Since people look at us more for what we have, we feel the need to buy more things. So we earn money to buy things we don't need just to give the impression of being wealthy everyone's goal these days, you know what's good that people are so stupid. You know why? Our economy couldn't live without it maze (us) and you see the sign that says "Happiness is just around the corner". No matter where the mice are, happiness is around the corner. But to get to “happiness” what do you have to do? you have to work harder.