So i engaged my brother in philosophical debate over lunch yesterday. I actually felt pretty good. Is that what being a teacher is like? When you make people think - like really think - about things they never pondered before?
The context: I have read and know of people who go travelling overseas to places that are somewhat remote and definitely not as modernised as the major cities. Many of these people get invited into strangers' homes for tea or a meal or just to chat. Alone. By themselves.
'How reckless!' brother says. 'It's so dangerous.'
Is it really? In our screwed up modernity, we are highly suspicious if someone offers us something. No strings attached.
There's no such thing as no catch, right? But in places where communal living is still a norm, (the few blessed places), i think there's more of a 'what's mine is yours' sentiment. What's wrong with being nice to someone you don't know? We do it all the time through that secure channel of charity. But when it's face-to-face kindness it's a bit more intimidating, isn't it?
This topic has come up before. People who live in the face of bombs and insecurity daily are unfazed by life-threatening explosions. They don't go around crying about how horrible everything is and call every few minutes to check if their loved ones are safe. You simply CANNOT function that way. Danger and risk is a fact of life, deal with it, move on.
We, in our ultra-sanitised, sparkling-white safe worlds have become caged in our own paranoia. What if the food isn't clean? Can i walk out of the house - traffic and kidnappings galore? Someone bearded is on the plane - is he about to blow the place up?
We're fearful of a fear that isn't even there. Meanwhile, people across the globe are thinking about the next meal, the next place to spend the night, the next time they'll be able to get the medicine that's saving their lives.
Doesn't that just put things into perspective?
Picture taken from this site. And i've uncovered a very interesting experiment which is worth checking out. Click here. I woke up today feeling grateful to be alive. Children going to a normal day-like-every-other school day had no idea that the sky was literally going to fall on them. These children were all younger than me - they never got to experience the joy of uni, of falling in love, of even finishing school. Many of them were the brightest of their county - and they have futures that will remain unfulfilled.
I'm never going to ASSUME that i will live a long and healthy life (although my chances are higher than most) from now on. Life is SO very fragile and you just never know. So, do what you want to do as soon as you can. Don't wait until you've lost your chance.
There is this story where a rich man and a fisherman are out fishing one day. The rich man turns to his companion. 'I really envy you, getting to fish all day.' His companion replies, 'Well, why don't you?' The rich man says, 'I'm just too busy you know. I've got to earn money!' The fisherman asks, 'Why do you need to earn so much?'
The rich man ponders for a while, then answers: 'So that I can afford to relax and fish all day.'
If you're still reading and you know me then i hope you know that I love you! And if we haven't seen each other recently, then it's been too long. Take care, and do tell me if this is thought-provoking. I do so love feedback. =)
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