Monday, June 28, 2010
I don't know what inspired me to write this
At every stage of our lives we'll care about different things.
And the common thread amongst them all is that when we look back, the previous things we care about will seem so childish and meaningless.
Secondary school. Only the final exam in the O'levels matter, but we did care for each test that came by. As kids, we just did what we were told. And we just did to gain the smiles/avoid the scoldings of the adults, or to affirm ourselves by a socially-approved method. We get happy and emo over test results, and looking back, it was all childish and meaningless.
An university student will also look at someone crying over his/her o'levels results as chidish and meaningless. Likewise for the working adult to look at the university student's panic over every assignment/test/exam/module which constitutes to the final CAP, when work performance is definitely more important now, for promotion and perhaps better pay.
The retiree on the bench facing the sunset. Looking at those adults working from day to night, from weekdays to weekends, toiling so hard and missing out time on relaxation, just for that extra bit of money which they probably won't get to spend, and meanwhile getting so stressed, jaded and unhealthy over it, he smiles. It's all so childish and meaningless. You can earn that little bit more money. But when you die can you bring all these money with you? Can you bring all the wonderful grades you have fought for, the very outstanding job titles you've earned beside your name? Looking back, it's all so childish and meaningless.
...
This is life. At every stage of life, the current matter on hand will seem the most important. And yes, our emotions does go through a tremendous up and down according to these current matters. But looking back, everything will seem so stupid.
So do you want to know if what u're doing now is clever or stupid? Just think some years forward, and look at yourself doing the things you're doing. Will that 'you' laugh at the current 'you'? By this, I think you will find the answer.
Sometimes, we are just too busy justifying our behaviour. Too much of consumerism, too much of human rights, too much of self-righteousness. Only when we look at ourselves like looking at other people will we find the means to criticise.
The good news is, we can't change other people, but we can change ourselves.
Want to be a person that you truly want to be? Assume a forward role, look at the current you. See if your actions are laughable. If they are, think what that future 'you' will want the 'current' you to do, and follow the former's instructions.
Suddenly, the aim will be clearer, life will be happier.
...
The person on the deathbed. Reflecting on his life, all these emotions he went through at every stage on his life formed precious memories for a rich life. At the same time, these things no longer matter anymore. There are no more emotions, just smiles at his own childishness at being so emotional over these meaningless stuff. So where is he going to go after his death? Too many choices of religions and too conflicting logical choices over the religious teachings. Scientifically and logically trained, he couldn't decide.
He leaves the world, not being able to bring back the money in his bank account, the wonderful grades he worked so hard for, and the nice job titles on his resume. He still does not know where he's going. Left are just all memories, and smiles over the emotions over past meaningless things.
lowtide blogged @
2:01 am
