JL;DR SUMMARY The author reflects on the concept of opportunity cost introduced during an economics class in college and how it applies to various life choices, such as academic achievements, social activities, and professional goals, using the framework of Jewish teachings like Mesillat Yesharim by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto. A way out west there was a fella, fella I want to tell you about, fella by the name of Jeff Lebowski. At least, that was the handle his lovin' parents gave him, but he never had much use for it himself. This Lebowski, he called himself the Dude. Now, Dude, that's a name no one would self-apply where I come from. But then, there was a lot about the Dude that didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. And a lot about where he lived, likewise. But then again, maybe that's why I found the place s'durned innarestin'.