“The only paradise is paradise lost.”

– Marcel Proust, French novelist, critic, and essayist

A small village sat nestled in a scenic valley between two low mountain ranges. Despite the obvious beauty of the countryside, the residents of the village were dissatisfied with life there.  Some complained the mountains were too small – not majestic enough. Others complained the valley formed by the mountains was too narrow – no room for expansion. The population of the village consisted primarily of artists and artisans. Surely, such a diverse and gifted group deserved to reside in paradise. There must be other valleys and ranges more appropriate for such a population. The village council met to discuss the issue. Perhaps there was a better, more suitable locale, but as fe...

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