Until I was twenty-one years old I lived with my parents in their house on a hill. I remember gazing with wonder at the strange roads and odd buildings on the hill across from ours. I simply loved the view.

Many of our preferences and priorities are rooted in our early experience. I still like my hot dogs with mustard, but I prefer my hamburgers with ketchup as well. From my father I learned the importance of saving money. From my mother I learned to be curious. Both curiosity and saving mone...