In the first chapters, Hampl suggests that the America Dream is built on a life that thrives. The most convincing piece of evidence is written in the Declaration of Independence. The founding fathers placed “the pursuit of happiness” as a foundational mandate of how Americans should approach long-standing goals. The juxtaposition between striving to be happy versus just being happy is what sent Hampl on an adventure to figure out the art of leisure.
Is a solitary life one that stays home? Or does it involve adventure to figure out what makes you happy? Hampl’s research into the “to go” or “to stay” preference eventually leads her to French philosopher Michel de Montaigne.