Why Do We Not Hear More about Equity Options?

I am not an investor in the stocks so I may be speaking out of turn here.  But I wonder why equity options are not a greater part of the daily discussion among my friends who invest in the stocks.

Equity options give one the right to buy or sell stocks at a set price, but no obligation is entailed.  What turned me to this subject was an email from an American who mentioned his stock options had expired.  He tried to explain it to me.

Growing a Bit of Wealth is Like Planting a Forest

A forest is a great body of trees and smaller plants that all work together to keep the land wealthy, healthy, and happy.  So I see it that way.  If you build a forest up on a bit of land it will keep the water from evaporating away entirely and prevent erosion.  A forest is a power for conservation.