Someone told me recently that the "problem" with society is that everyone feels the need to control their lives and perhaps the lives of others; the way to live with happiness is an occasional break from these constrictions. I have always been a true dichotomous thinker: either it is black or it is white. And I admit it- this way of thinking has always gotten me in trouble. While these ideas of moderation, exploring the gray areas, walking the "middle" path... is intriguing, I still feel a strong to connection to what Virginia Wolf once said:

"To enjoy freedom, if the platitude is pardonable, we have of course to control ourselves. We must not squander our powers, helplessly and ignorantly, squirting half the house in order to water a single rose-bush; we must train them, exactly and powerfully, here on the very spot."

I think freedom and happiness can be a result of control. Like yogis and martial artists and dedicated athletes. Why squander our energy? If we are compassionate with our selves, and are able to see control as a way of refining our abilities (even our ability to relax and rest!) then there is no reason to 'blame' society for the misinterpretations of our own egos.