Walter Russell Mead has a great post on the need for an American upgrade. Something to think hard about.

I know people who dream of taking off from work as much as possible and retiring as early as possible. But it's clear what is wrong with them: "Being fully human is about doing work that means something," Mead says. This is exactly what has been wrong with me since my retirement. Now I'm stuck in a nothing hole and can't get out of it. I don't need anything, i.e., any new "toys," but I need to make a contribution.

Let me add this: volunteering is not the answer, not for me. I tried it and it was worthless.