The corporate american culture with its 6X8 cubes and common breakrooms has changed the workstyle from the past. You live your life oblivious of your surroundings with your headphone and peering at the monitor to complete your daily job. Sometimes, it makes me wonder is this the life that we are destined for or is there any purpose of my existence. Time will tell.
Read an article in msn about the "suck ups" at the workplace and they come in all colors,shapes and sizes. All you need to do to identify them is to look around you to see who is close to the boss and you will figure it out. I have strong opinion in this regard, that it is not ethical to resort to these activities but if you need to go places you need to do this.
Let us talk about some philosopy here. Long ago, I remember JK(Jittu Krishnamurthi)'s book which said "Just be". This is simple but it is impossible. I remember the days when I used to visit the JK's home in Madras(or chennai) with Poongavanam(my friend), the peaceful garden and the library. That reminds about my friend and I do not have any contact with him since long time. Hope to meet him and discuss the life activities through the night, as we did when we were in Guindy. Nostalgic to say the least!!!!!