Remember the American dream?

It was a promise born of a free-market economy and a legal system based on the natural rights of all. It was simple: No matter your economic status, education, or language, success and financial security were achievable. It was a message of hope for the downtrodden; it continues to motivate today.

But there’s a been a mistake.

Somehow in this pursuit of a dream, we’ve confused it with another pursuit given to Americans: "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." How did we come to equate money with happiness?

Granted, it’s easier to be happy when you’re comfy on the couch, enjoying the affluence of New Balance tennies, a Crate and Barrel coffee mug, and basic cable. But are you happy?

After all, there’s always more to gain: bigger apartments to lease, hipper jeans to buy, better circles to move in. . . Where does it end?

Money is a trap. It’s the ultimate pyramid scheme: the farther in you go, the harder it is to get out.

What we need is a way of escape.