A great lecture from the TED conference (Technology, Entertainment and Design) lectures. The virtues of living a slow life. watch the video here
As a fan of the less worked more thoughtful culture. Sweden, Denmark and Norway all have the most successful cultures from an (economic, health and happiness) perspective. They are slow, comfortable and thoughtful. Happiness, Wealth, health.
So all this speed and stress in some countries even my own isn't getting us anywhere fast.
We rank crudely put from the above: 13th in happiness, 7th in wealth and 29th health. I think focusing on going slower and listening would allow us to get better in many senses of the word.
Ironically part of the solution to be wealthier, healthier and happier is give more vacations, slow down and get out of your current rat race. Go and discover your slower, wealthier, happier, healthier self.