Blest are the poor!?
News is doing a documentary on poor Chinese people that live at the edge of Beijing. I have been to Beijing once and it was such a developed city that I can't imagine there is still a corner in Beijing where people have to carry water for daily use!! This was what I saw in one of the episodes of the original 獅子山下 that was broadcasted in the 70s. That was the time when there were still a lot of squatters in HK and public estates were not that common. So, looks like that part of Beijing is at least 30 years behind.
In spite of the hardship the children are facing, I do see a big difference between the way how they talk as compared to children from well-off families. Extreme poverty induces a big wish of upward striving for the children, that most of them do treasure the opportunity to study as a way of getting out of the poor situation. Children who live comfortably in big house or even in just a better living condition will worry less about that, but focus more on games and leisures.
This is one of the question I kept on debating: should one be rich or poor, if one can choose?
Being in an inadequate state will create motivation for one to strive hard in life, which turns out to be a good thing. For example, I always admire my dad knowing how to cook since he was a kid. That was due to the fact that he has to take care of himself since my grandparents had to work for long hours. One can argue that the kid was poor that he had to take care of himself when he was so young. However, I do see this as opportunity to train oneself.
Another concern of leading a good life is that we know good life may not last forever. If you have been too spoiled, you may lose your ability when hardship comes. For example, if you have been studying in good school and having all the fun classes, it would be a big struck for you if your parents for whatever reason cannot afford you to continue. It's always easier to taste the sweeten after the bitter, but not the reverse.
So, you know my preference.
In spite of the hardship the children are facing, I do see a big difference between the way how they talk as compared to children from well-off families. Extreme poverty induces a big wish of upward striving for the children, that most of them do treasure the opportunity to study as a way of getting out of the poor situation. Children who live comfortably in big house or even in just a better living condition will worry less about that, but focus more on games and leisures.
This is one of the question I kept on debating: should one be rich or poor, if one can choose?
Being in an inadequate state will create motivation for one to strive hard in life, which turns out to be a good thing. For example, I always admire my dad knowing how to cook since he was a kid. That was due to the fact that he has to take care of himself since my grandparents had to work for long hours. One can argue that the kid was poor that he had to take care of himself when he was so young. However, I do see this as opportunity to train oneself.
Another concern of leading a good life is that we know good life may not last forever. If you have been too spoiled, you may lose your ability when hardship comes. For example, if you have been studying in good school and having all the fun classes, it would be a big struck for you if your parents for whatever reason cannot afford you to continue. It's always easier to taste the sweeten after the bitter, but not the reverse.
So, you know my preference.
posted by M @ 12:54 AM
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