To PhD or not to PhD

I had gone to Austin for a friend's birthday.Five of us (A,M,P,N and me) had gone for the trip.At Austin N introduced us to a friend of his- a Mr.H. He is a Master's student aspiring for a PhD. His situation kind of made me think about how I view my life and how I choose to live it. Mr. H is ready to undergo any trouble, any hardship just to do a PhD. Now, I don't know the gory details but I started thinking that once upon a time, I had this kind of dedication in my life-we all had.What went wrong?Why is the goal hazy for me now?In one of my numerous discussions with A( he is a very patient guy), he told me, "this place affects different people in different ways".Now isn't that a point to ponder?This place sure has affected me, but should it affect my goals?Was Mr.H affected by his place?Are P,N and M affected as well?I'm not including them in this post because I have no reason.I just wanted to understand what their reactions were when they heard H's story.Not everybody thinks as much as I do,but everybody reacts in some fashion. I get impressed (or rather influenced,as I should put it) by everyone I meet. Amidst a lot of leg-pulling by P and N,I repeat that I was impressed not by Mr.H per se but by his thirst for good education.I was wondering what happened to my lofty ideals.Did they just bite the dust like so many of my other plans?Hmm..food for thought,yes?

On a side note, I take this opportunity to clarify my points,hence somebody disagrees.I was impressed with a lot of people.I just don't get the opportunity to tell them that.Messrs.A,P,N and Ms.M have each affected me in different ways.I have noted each person's good points(bad as well, mind you) and recorded it.I am trying to learn from each person I meet.

And Mr.H, I wish you the best for your becoming Dr.H.Good luck!!!