Shining Brightest: 120 Wisdom Lamps - Yilin

Author: Xiaoping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: With great care, one can appreciate various kinds of charm. A few years ago, I wanted to find a short-term helper for laundry and cleaning. The person who introduced me found a laundress. "Anyway, after you finish washing, you're going to wash for others too, so why not clean for me as well? I'll pay you more." She muttered softly for a while, and the introducer solemnly announced, "She said she doesn't sweep because her interest lies only in laundry." At first, I almost laughed, but then I couldn't help but be startled: even when it comes to "laundry" and "sweeping," people must make a serious choice—only through choice comes the dignity of autonomy. Huaxi Street is a fun street, and during the time my son had a strong interest in snakes, we often went there. We stood at the entrance of the snake shop, looking at those hundred-step snakes and cobra one by one. "Is that snake venomous?" I pointed to a thick and large one and asked the shopkeeper. "It's not venomous unless it bites you!" I didn't expect such a reply and couldn't help but admire it silently. In fact, everything in the world can be viewed this way. There may be waves, but the boat didn't sink—why not consider it calm? There may be traps, but if people don't stumble, why not consider it a smooth path? I often think of that snake shop. In a large public hospital, I saw a sign that made me laugh. It read: "No Parking, Penalty for Violators." I couldn't help but love it! Old-fashioned government agencies often try to put on a stern face, trying to sound official in their tone. In such cases, they might say, "Violators will be arrested" or "Violators will be prosecuted." Americans are more straightforward: simply two big words, "No Parking" — "No Parking." But a simple tone can sometimes seem too harsh. "Penalty for Violators" is still better—it's neither aggressive nor weak, free of any official tone, and yet honest and adorable, almost like a childlike manner—and it's bound to be effective. P4