Earlier today I watched Michael Moore’s latest documentary, Where to Invade Next, not knowing anything about it beforehand. I thought it was his best film to date and his most touchingly human one. If you haven’t seen it yet, I’d highly recommend it.

Based on the title, it may sound like it’s a movie about war, but the invasion is just a metaphor. It’s really a movie about what the USA can learn from other countries that have achieved strong results in education, lifestyle happiness, drug abuse, women’s rights, and more.

I especially resonated with the segment on taking more vacation time, which was a lesson I didn’t learn until my late 30s. I largely credit my pro-vacation conversion to various Canadian and European friends who opened my eyes to the pleasures and benefits of taking time off for travel… and learning to regard vacation time as an essential part of the human experience.