Great point Sean - I have yet to work with a successful business owner that was not passionate about what they do. Many employees can rise up the ranks by following #2 by just being good at what they do (This also does not mean they will necessarily be happy). They can become competent managers - however they generally will never be good leaders as for others to follow you need vision and passion.

A couple of great points Auren - I have always been a great champion for "investing in yourself" It is something I regularly talk to both staff and management about at every company I work with. Many companies are not in the position to invest heavily in training and employees that invest in themselves will find themselves well ahead of their peers that sit back complaining about it! Set goals, make a plan & take positive action and the rewards will far outweigh the cost.

Many thanks Sean & I totally agree with you - there are times when you just can't beat sitting down with a quiet book or magazine and one failing the iPad has in this aspect is the reflective nature of the screen (especially if you put a protective skin on it). This makes it near impossible to read in the sun.

Like I have said I agree the system needs to change however we still need to have incentives for people to build, create, put their necks on the line for great reward as when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great but when government takes all the reward away, many will not try or want to succeed as much and we will be left with a society based on mediocrity and conformity. I agree in part with trainwreck where so many in society have been living beyond their means in a I want it now consumer market full of crap products with rediculously short lifespans and as consumers we all need to take more responsibility for our actions and look after our own. I am lucky enough to come from New Zealand where we have a relatively good health and education system however we still have far too much of a welfare state mentality where the expectation of many is for all to be provided. I have spoken to chain smoking mothers in some of the poorest areas of the country and listened to them moan about not having enough money to buy shoes for their children. These same mothers spending $20 a day on cigaretes and buying fast food most nights. I know what its like I came from those streets and while there is a serious lack of social education each person has the ability to take positive action and change their lives not wait for a handout from the govt(and no I am not auditioning to be Tony Robbins next assistant)

Dare I say it but I am a proud capitalist and although I believe everyone should have a fair and equal opportunity to succeed if we did not have "The Haves" the "Have Nots" would be even worse off. People must be inspired to achieve not expect equality. I agree tax reforms are needed to reduce the evasion tactics of those that have the smarts to avoid paying their dues however it is very dangerous to turn this into an argument over the haves and have nots when it is more of a political discussion on how financial systems should be structured.