The post, shared by Modi, compares two very different lifestyles and argues that our surroundings can influence how we view success, happiness, and personal growth. The reflection resonated with many online, triggering a discussion on whether the environment we choose has a lasting impact on the way we think.
Bengaluru and a Mountain Town: Two Different Ways of Living
In his post, Modi imagined the lives of two 27-year-olds.
The first earns around ₹40 lakh annually in Bengaluru, lives in a spacious 3BHK apartment, commutes using Uber, and orders groceries through Zepto. While the lifestyle appears comfortable and financially successful, Modi argued that living in a highly competitive city can often encourage constant comparison with others.
He wrote:
“You see super young people around you. You feel that your best years are gone. You feel behind in life compared to kids who are just 21. You feel lonely & sad.”
According to him, being surrounded by exceptionally young high achievers can make people feel as though they are falling behind, even when they are objectively doing well.
A Different Perspective in the Mountains
The second example takes place in a small mountain town.
Here, the individual lives in a modest 1BHK home, earns less than half of what friends in Bengaluru make, and usually gets around on a scooty or by walking. Everyday moments—such as buying vegetables while watching the sunset with a partner—become meaningful parts of life.
Modi said that the environment itself encourages a healthier perspective. Seeing people in their 30s, 40s, and beyond living contentedly, smiling, and welcoming others makes life feel less like a race and more like a journey.
Reflecting on his own experience after moving away from the city, he wrote:
“Just my observation after 4 months of living in this small mountain town i call home now. where you live decides how you think & function.”
His Response to Curious Followers
As the post gained traction, many LinkedIn users reached out asking about the town, rental options, and other details.
Responding to those messages, Modi urged people to approach such conversations with genuine curiosity rather than treating them as a way to gather information for personal benefit.
He wrote:
“ps: for all the people asking about location, guide, rentals, etc etc in dm – it’s okay to be curious, but actually sound curious. don’t be like – hey, give me details & then run away with that. small town life is not great for people who just talk to people for their own benefit, and are entitled about what all they have achieved in their lives.”
Internet Shares Mixed Reactions
The post prompted a wide range of responses, with many users agreeing that the discussion was ultimately about mindset rather than geography.
One user commented, “I don’t think the situation is wrong. It’s often our perspective. No place can make you feel better if you’re constantly comparing yourself to others. Focus on what’s right for you, and the place becomes secondary.”
Another wrote, “Wrong analogy… Happiness is never about comparing. It’s about contentment and gratitude. So wherever you are, happiness is within.”
Sharing a personal experience, another user said, “That’s a beautiful perspective to have. Ultimately it’s a choice. I have spent more than 10 years living in the mountains. It wasn’t easy, but they were the most beautiful years of my life. Maybe I’ll go back to the mountains someday!”
A fourth user added, “Every choice has its own pros and cons. Ultimately, it’s about what you’re willing to accept, guided by your mindset, priorities, and courage. For me, of course, a peaceful life, maybe with less money, but a life lived to its fullest.”
The viral post has reignited a familiar debate: Is happiness determined by income and opportunities, or does the place we choose to live quietly shape our outlook on life? While opinions remain divided, many agreed that success is about more than just a paycheck—it is also about finding an environment where one feels fulfilled.
