Thursday, December 1, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Poem ( 詩 ) - ( 12 ) - Lamenting at the centenary of the 1911 Shin Hai Revolution ( 辛亥百年之嘆悲情 ) - Oct., 10, 2011
Poetry & Prose - Poem ( 詩 ) - ( 12 ) - Lamenting at the centenary of the 1911 Shin Hai Revolution ( 辛亥百年之嘆悲情 ) - Oct., 10, 2011
武昌起義義蓋天,
The 1911 Wu Chang uprising was done in the name of righteousness.
黃花崗上恨綿綿，
On top of Huang Hua Hill lied many dead heroes.
國父先烈齊命獻，
Dr. Sun Yat Sen and other revolutionary forerunners had usurped their lives for the noble cause.
痛惜革命苦未前。
Sadly, the revolution in China is still painfully slow in its progress.
鄭冠合
JKHC
Monday, July 25, 2011
Poem - Friends Forever ! - Poetry & Prose - ( 11 ) - July 26, 2011
Poetry & Prose - Poem ( 詩 ) - Friends Forever ! ( 友誼永固 ) - July 26, 2011
Friends or foes ? It's totally up to you.
做朋友或敵人任隨尊便，
Fools will you be if you don't wisely choose.
如果不作聰明抉擇便是笨蛋。
What are friends for ? You may rightly ask.
朋友要來做什麼？這件事你有權問。
They are always there when your luck is not at par.
當你沮喪時他們會伴你左右。
It is wise counsel to make friends wide and far.
聰明的人會知己滿天下。
For without their love and support you will be emotionally starved.
沒有朋友的話你會心靈空虛。
So, I pray thee hear my humble and earnest plea.
懇祈閣下聆聽我卑微而誠懇的要求。
Cherish your friends wherever they may be and truly hold them dear !
珍惜四海之內的良朋，並以真誠與親愛以待之。
JKHC ( 鄭冠合 )
Monday, July 18, 2011
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 80 ) - July 18, 2011
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 80 ) - Poor Press Performance - July 18, 2011
It is generally common ground that a free press is a bastion of democracy and the conscience of society. An independent press operated on the freedom of speech will keep the government in line and ensure that public opinion is unambiguously voiced in a loud and clear way for all to hear. This is the ideal position but the best situation does not always materialize as anticipated.
Despite all the high ideals supposedly upheld by a free press all news papers and broadcasting organizations are nevertheless run on commercial principles. With the exception of a precious few government or publicly funded media corporations most of them are motivated by profit especially from the management's point of view. In all fairness any news paper or broadcaster must justify their own existence by a reasonable return on shareholders' investment. It is the greedy executives who are usually the perpetrators of evil and illegal schemes to fatten their own bonus packages. Mind you the CEOs and the like are mostly journalists or students of journalism who have moved up the ranks in these media corporations. This being the case one would expect some basic moral or ethical behaviour from them. Unfortunately, human nature being what it is many black sheep of the press are very often blinded by greed to undertake illegal ventures to increase their readership hence the corporation's profit accordingly.
Apart from gravely harming the reputation of the press such illegal and immoral schemes also jeopardize people's confidence in a free press. These detestable black sheep with their poor performance have grossly abused the trust placed upon them by society. They are under the mistaken impression that they are the uncrowned kings and queens of society to whom some kind of legal immunity has been granted. The law of cause and effect inevitably catches up with them and they are doomed. Tragically, they also killed the public's confidence in the press in the ensuing debacle. To avoid further mischief from these black sheep it is high time that the evil wings of the darkness in the media, namely, monopolies of capitalistic control over the whole cross section of the industry, be clipped. Most importantly, cross holdings of news papers, radio and TV stations should be outlawed to avoid monopoly in the media. Finally, effective and independent ethical committees with legal powers should be set up for the media sector to monitor and hear complaints on ethical issues before they turn into full blown crisis like the present News of the World tabloid scandal unfolding in the United Kingdom.
JKHC.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 79 ) - July 16, 2011
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 79 ) - The Illusion of Power - July 16, 2011
People in power are invariably intoxicated with their own apparent invincibility. They are very often under the false impression that they are super humans who can command the fate of their fellow citizens who have given them the mandate to run society on behalf of all the citizens in the first place. As a matter of fact, these power mongers are just as ordinary if not worse than other human beings who are all subject to the laws of nature and the inescapable human woes of birth, aging, sickness and death.
In the short term, power mongers might have their way with the help of their evil lieutenants and hideous bullies. Unfortunately, anyone who is behaving badly and against natural justice are doomed to failure because of the invariant law of cause and effect. History has proven time and again that perpetrators of repressive regimes will dig their own graves by their heinous acts of cruelty and injustice inflicted upon fellow citizens. Power mongers will either overdo their repression and force citizens to revolt such as in the French Revolution or the more cunning ones may use economic inducements to fool other citizens into accepting them for a while but at the end they will inevitably be overthrown too because improved living standards will breed aspirations for freedom.
Let us take heed of wise counsel such as that given by great statesmen like President Abraham Lincoln, the slave liberator who famously said that :- " No man is good enough to rule another without that other's consent ." I would respectfully add that " no man is good enough to rule forever. " All power mongers be warned stop hiding behind the illusion of power and submit to the mandate of the people. You are fooling no one but your stupid selves regarding your purported invincibility. The date of reckoning is nearer than you think. Repent from your evil ways and you may yet receive some clemency from the people. Or else, only the fire of hell will await you at your inescapable destiny of destruction.
JKHC.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 78 ) - June 27, 2011
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 78 ) - Policing the Politicians - June 27, 2011
Politicians are the most cunning of all professions. They make their living by double talks and doing lip service to society. They also bend with the wind or the popular opinion regardless of whether or not it is right or wrong morally to stay in power. The most tragic thing is that we still need them to run our government despite all their shortcomings. To reduce the impact of their mischief which could be both real and potential the smart citizen must be on guard against their political tricks. In short, politicians need policing by the public.
For example, most candidates in elections will by and large promise tax reductions and more financial benefits to voters. What sounds too good to be true is usually just what it is - too good to be true ! Even if their election promises actually materialize the extra funding needed for the extra benefits will come from other hidden taxes or costs to society usually from the underprivileged because of their lack of bargaining power. In some cases, many politicians simply go back on their words and blame it on unforeseen circumstances which are, in fact, foreseeable. If they are in luck and meet their budgetary targets they will expect everyone to worship them as saviors of society. While ordinary citizens are expected to do a good job to earn their wages politicians expect both fame and fortune for fufilling their required duties. In countries under autocratic regimes the ruling dictatorship will demand total submission from the citizens as a price for the dictator's service or disservice to the country. In time, autocrats will treat the country as their private properties to be inherited by their children ultimately forming an evil dynasty.
Are we too harsh on politicians then ? In my humble opinion, we are absolutely not being unreasonable in treating them like potential criminals when some of them actually turn out to be such elements. Furthermore, politics is the only profession I can think of which bestow the followers with power, good pay as well as a chance to attain immortality in getting their names in history if they do their jobs properly as they should. Hence, I would say categorically that it is justified to police politicians as I have suggested and that no praise need be showered on them when they complete their official assignments. This is not a lopsided treatment because politicians are given the extra chance which other professionals do not have which is the chance to gain immortality in history. Moreover, it is a rare honour and privilege to serve your fellow citizens and there are plenty of capable people to do it besides the incumbent government.
In order to police politicians effectively, every citizen must use his or her vote wisely by getting oneself acquainted with the basic knowledge of how a good government should work and becoming basically well informed on current social and political issues through open debate and dialogue with other citizens. This is not only a citizen's right but also a sacred duty to do so in order to put politicians in their proper place.
JKHC.
Politicians are the most cunning of all professions. They make their living by double talks and doing lip service to society. They also bend with the wind or the popular opinion regardless of whether or not it is right or wrong morally to stay in power. The most tragic thing is that we still need them to run our government despite all their shortcomings. To reduce the impact of their mischief which could be both real and potential the smart citizen must be on guard against their political tricks. In short, politicians need policing by the public.
For example, most candidates in elections will by and large promise tax reductions and more financial benefits to voters. What sounds too good to be true is usually just what it is - too good to be true ! Even if their election promises actually materialize the extra funding needed for the extra benefits will come from other hidden taxes or costs to society usually from the underprivileged because of their lack of bargaining power. In some cases, many politicians simply go back on their words and blame it on unforeseen circumstances which are, in fact, foreseeable. If they are in luck and meet their budgetary targets they will expect everyone to worship them as saviors of society. While ordinary citizens are expected to do a good job to earn their wages politicians expect both fame and fortune for fufilling their required duties. In countries under autocratic regimes the ruling dictatorship will demand total submission from the citizens as a price for the dictator's service or disservice to the country. In time, autocrats will treat the country as their private properties to be inherited by their children ultimately forming an evil dynasty.
Are we too harsh on politicians then ? In my humble opinion, we are absolutely not being unreasonable in treating them like potential criminals when some of them actually turn out to be such elements. Furthermore, politics is the only profession I can think of which bestow the followers with power, good pay as well as a chance to attain immortality in getting their names in history if they do their jobs properly as they should. Hence, I would say categorically that it is justified to police politicians as I have suggested and that no praise need be showered on them when they complete their official assignments. This is not a lopsided treatment because politicians are given the extra chance which other professionals do not have which is the chance to gain immortality in history. Moreover, it is a rare honour and privilege to serve your fellow citizens and there are plenty of capable people to do it besides the incumbent government.
In order to police politicians effectively, every citizen must use his or her vote wisely by getting oneself acquainted with the basic knowledge of how a good government should work and becoming basically well informed on current social and political issues through open debate and dialogue with other citizens. This is not only a citizen's right but also a sacred duty to do so in order to put politicians in their proper place.
JKHC.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 77 ) - June 21, 2011
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 77 ) - Put the Pudding in Perspective ( 把布丁放在正確位置 ) - June 21, 2011
Putting things in their proper perspective is most important. It can give one a proper sense of balance and proportion. It also implies that one is well acquainted with what is happening in one's environment. Most important of all, it means that we know our place and purpose in the grand design of the universe. This is the necessary condition leading to a meaningful life ( meaningful to oneself that is ). Ultimately, this path will give one peace of mind which everyone should have when it is time to go.
Notwithstanding the unfathomable tone the above proposition implies it has, in fact, a very down to earth and everyday application. Furthermore, it can be easy to follow. Being in perspective boils down to following basic principles and generally accepted human values as set out in my previous blog entry ( TYYT - ( 76 ) - Going Back to Basics - http://jkhcforum.blogspot.com/2011/06/thoughts-to-you-from-yours-truly-76.html ). If you are a father do as a father should do. Take proper care of your family and keep them out of harm's way. If you are a mother use your naturally endowed quality of motherly love and tenderness to bring happiness to your family. If you are a growing child put your studies first with a view to learning to become a useful citizen and behave yourself within reasonable limits. What is the common thread running through all these suggestions ? It is the sense of responsibility relating to your position in this world. Being a responsible person inevitably requires one to be unselfish and be willing to make reasonable sacrifices to do what one should do. That is how the whole human race moves forward to a brighter future. It is the preservation of the common good based on reasonable sacrifices made by the responsible individual. When we fight for our rights it serves the cause of natural justice to reflect on our obligations as well - the obligation to ourselves ( which is to lead a meaningful and happy life subject to the laws of nature as well as all just human laws ), the obligation to society ( which is set out in Rousseau's " Social Contract " based on people's power and sovereignty in a summary form ) and our obligation to nature and our environment ( which is to keep it in a reasonably healthy state for the good of our future generations ).
Seemingly high sounding concepts are not necessarily complicated if we go back to the basics upon which they are built. This again takes us right back to the theme of this blog which is putting the pudding in perspective by looking at things from a wider and more balanced point of view. Hopefully, adopting this fair and balanced attitude will bring happiness to this world and in turn to ourselves.
JKHC.
Putting things in their proper perspective is most important. It can give one a proper sense of balance and proportion. It also implies that one is well acquainted with what is happening in one's environment. Most important of all, it means that we know our place and purpose in the grand design of the universe. This is the necessary condition leading to a meaningful life ( meaningful to oneself that is ). Ultimately, this path will give one peace of mind which everyone should have when it is time to go.
Notwithstanding the unfathomable tone the above proposition implies it has, in fact, a very down to earth and everyday application. Furthermore, it can be easy to follow. Being in perspective boils down to following basic principles and generally accepted human values as set out in my previous blog entry ( TYYT - ( 76 ) - Going Back to Basics - http://jkhcforum.blogspot.com/2011/06/thoughts-to-you-from-yours-truly-76.html ). If you are a father do as a father should do. Take proper care of your family and keep them out of harm's way. If you are a mother use your naturally endowed quality of motherly love and tenderness to bring happiness to your family. If you are a growing child put your studies first with a view to learning to become a useful citizen and behave yourself within reasonable limits. What is the common thread running through all these suggestions ? It is the sense of responsibility relating to your position in this world. Being a responsible person inevitably requires one to be unselfish and be willing to make reasonable sacrifices to do what one should do. That is how the whole human race moves forward to a brighter future. It is the preservation of the common good based on reasonable sacrifices made by the responsible individual. When we fight for our rights it serves the cause of natural justice to reflect on our obligations as well - the obligation to ourselves ( which is to lead a meaningful and happy life subject to the laws of nature as well as all just human laws ), the obligation to society ( which is set out in Rousseau's " Social Contract " based on people's power and sovereignty in a summary form ) and our obligation to nature and our environment ( which is to keep it in a reasonably healthy state for the good of our future generations ).
Seemingly high sounding concepts are not necessarily complicated if we go back to the basics upon which they are built. This again takes us right back to the theme of this blog which is putting the pudding in perspective by looking at things from a wider and more balanced point of view. Hopefully, adopting this fair and balanced attitude will bring happiness to this world and in turn to ourselves.
JKHC.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 76 ) - June 14, 2011
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 76 ) - Going Back to Basics - June 14, 2011
In this complicated world of money and politics it is so easy to become confused. For those who are still human enough to ask what is right and what is wrong some simple guidelines are badly needed. As the golden rule is that there is no golden rule the nearest golden rule of thumb I highly recommend to you is " going back to basics ". Every time we are confronted with a controversial issue the popular tendency seems to be that we always rely on the so-called expert advice. Since we all agree that there is no golden rule as there is no magic wand whom should we trust as the experts ?
In my humble opinion, the short and relevant answer to this difficult question is trust yourself by going back to basics. It is not as simple as it sounds because this solution begs another valid question of what are the most important and universal basics that we can rely upon to make up our own mind ? Well, a few outstanding candidates readily come to my mind. I think they are : compassion, equity, justice, truth and consistency between words and deed. These basics are not listed in any particular order of importance. Each one is applicable to different circumstances with different weight.
To be more specific, I always apply the above basic considerations in my effort to assess the trust worthiness of any statement made by other people especially politicians. When confronted with a controversial issue I highly recommend applying the above basics to avoid being taken for a ride by statements made on that particular issue by all parties concerned to win you over to their way of thinking. In other words, we should always consider whether a statement is fair and equitable ( not one sided ) ; whether it is compassionate in taking into the situation and particular circumstances of all relevant parties ( not just based on a single view point ) ; whether it is borne out by known facts ( not ignoring vital facts or not telling the whole truth ) ; whether it is justified under the principle of natural justice ( not violating basic human rights or hurts the environment ) and last but not least, whether the deeds of the person making the statement are consistent with his or her words ( not saying one thing but doing another ). Having set out the basic considerations I cannot overemphasize too strongly the need to find out all the relevant facts about the issue at hand and to which a particular statement under consideration is related ( not to be ignorant of the relevant facts ). Only by so doing can we be smart thinkers.
JKHC.
In this complicated world of money and politics it is so easy to become confused. For those who are still human enough to ask what is right and what is wrong some simple guidelines are badly needed. As the golden rule is that there is no golden rule the nearest golden rule of thumb I highly recommend to you is " going back to basics ". Every time we are confronted with a controversial issue the popular tendency seems to be that we always rely on the so-called expert advice. Since we all agree that there is no golden rule as there is no magic wand whom should we trust as the experts ?
In my humble opinion, the short and relevant answer to this difficult question is trust yourself by going back to basics. It is not as simple as it sounds because this solution begs another valid question of what are the most important and universal basics that we can rely upon to make up our own mind ? Well, a few outstanding candidates readily come to my mind. I think they are : compassion, equity, justice, truth and consistency between words and deed. These basics are not listed in any particular order of importance. Each one is applicable to different circumstances with different weight.
To be more specific, I always apply the above basic considerations in my effort to assess the trust worthiness of any statement made by other people especially politicians. When confronted with a controversial issue I highly recommend applying the above basics to avoid being taken for a ride by statements made on that particular issue by all parties concerned to win you over to their way of thinking. In other words, we should always consider whether a statement is fair and equitable ( not one sided ) ; whether it is compassionate in taking into the situation and particular circumstances of all relevant parties ( not just based on a single view point ) ; whether it is borne out by known facts ( not ignoring vital facts or not telling the whole truth ) ; whether it is justified under the principle of natural justice ( not violating basic human rights or hurts the environment ) and last but not least, whether the deeds of the person making the statement are consistent with his or her words ( not saying one thing but doing another ). Having set out the basic considerations I cannot overemphasize too strongly the need to find out all the relevant facts about the issue at hand and to which a particular statement under consideration is related ( not to be ignorant of the relevant facts ). Only by so doing can we be smart thinkers.
JKHC.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Poem - National Sorrow - Poetry & Prose - ( 10 ) - June 4, 2011
Poem ( 詞 ) - Poetry & Prose - ( 10 ) - National Sorrow - ( 國殤之六四有感 ) - June 4, 2011
天安血淚，已久。
Since the Tiananmen Massacre a long time has passed.
城門依舊，傷愁。
The city walls are still the same and so is the sorrow.
茉莉再起，未見秀。
Jasmine Revolution has arisen but is not quite successful.
嘆蒼天，不憫留，降罪魔頭。
Why does heaven not show pity on lost souls and punish the culprits ?
妄背歷史，罪咎。
Turning one's back on history is a crime.
天怒人怨，苦透。
Heaven is angry and people go on suffering.
專橫腐化，不義寇。
Autocratic and corrupted state is just like an evil thief.
天誅滅，地不留，痛心疾首。
Heaven forbids such evil to exist and so do the tormented people.
天網恢恢，不漏。
No one can escape justice. It is all embracing.
罪孽惡果，自求。
Crime and evil are of one's own choosing.
審判時刻，必會有。
Judgment day will surely come and it is now at hand.
忘公義，絕人倫，必受追究。
The evil system ignores justice and human rights and so it must be condemned.
願雨過，天更睛，張正義，亂黨平，國泰安寧。
Hopefully, there will be sunny sky when the rain is gone and the country will revert to peace once again.
JKHC ( 鄭冠合 )
天安血淚，已久。
Since the Tiananmen Massacre a long time has passed.
城門依舊，傷愁。
The city walls are still the same and so is the sorrow.
茉莉再起，未見秀。
Jasmine Revolution has arisen but is not quite successful.
嘆蒼天，不憫留，降罪魔頭。
Why does heaven not show pity on lost souls and punish the culprits ?
妄背歷史，罪咎。
Turning one's back on history is a crime.
天怒人怨，苦透。
Heaven is angry and people go on suffering.
專橫腐化，不義寇。
Autocratic and corrupted state is just like an evil thief.
天誅滅，地不留，痛心疾首。
Heaven forbids such evil to exist and so do the tormented people.
天網恢恢，不漏。
No one can escape justice. It is all embracing.
罪孽惡果，自求。
Crime and evil are of one's own choosing.
審判時刻，必會有。
Judgment day will surely come and it is now at hand.
忘公義，絕人倫，必受追究。
The evil system ignores justice and human rights and so it must be condemned.
願雨過，天更睛，張正義，亂黨平，國泰安寧。
Hopefully, there will be sunny sky when the rain is gone and the country will revert to peace once again.
JKHC ( 鄭冠合 )
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 75 ) - June 1, 2011
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 75 ) - Means and Ends - June 1, 2011
Human beings are mostly goal oriented. I suppose this is all very well having regard to the fact that we all need motivations to get ahead in life. Goals are actually choices in life we must make in view of the unlimited ends ( or desires ) in both materialistic and emotional terms and the always limited means ( or resources ) to meet those ends. The latter argument actually summarizes the whole rationale of economics.
For the materialists the ends are so important that they argue the case for adopting any means to achieve their self-centered ends. This is exactly the same mercenary and immoral stance taken by all autocratic regimes. That is to achieve their selfish and evil political ends by hook or by crook even at the expense of basic human rights and natural justice. Even if we ignore the moral and religious implications which some people may consider to be idealistic and unpractical there is still plenty of indisputable and objective scientific evidence from quantum mechanics that the means ( process ) are vital and can actually determine the end ( result ). Furthermore, quantum mechanics has also conclusively proven the importance of our consciousness ( or choice ) in shaping our own future and, hence, the existence of free will. For those interested to know more here is the link to my own brief notes on quantum mechanics:- https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=166929050031700
As any sane human being will agree that we cannot work against the laws of nature without suffering the dire consequences all anti-nature crimes must be avoided at all costs. Just to name a few obvious examples, actions and reactions are equal and opposite. Therefore, never oppress our citizens. Cause and effect are inevitably linked. So, wrong doers take notice that your time of reckoning is at hand. The higher you go the harder you fall as dictated by the law of gravity which shapes the physical universe. All autocrats will fall to pieces from their illegitimate pinnacle of power to which they have criminally attained by all evil means. Stop bull shitting about the end justifying the means because the means are part and parcel of the end. Any end, however holy, achieved by evil means can be nothing else but evil.
JKHC.
Human beings are mostly goal oriented. I suppose this is all very well having regard to the fact that we all need motivations to get ahead in life. Goals are actually choices in life we must make in view of the unlimited ends ( or desires ) in both materialistic and emotional terms and the always limited means ( or resources ) to meet those ends. The latter argument actually summarizes the whole rationale of economics.
For the materialists the ends are so important that they argue the case for adopting any means to achieve their self-centered ends. This is exactly the same mercenary and immoral stance taken by all autocratic regimes. That is to achieve their selfish and evil political ends by hook or by crook even at the expense of basic human rights and natural justice. Even if we ignore the moral and religious implications which some people may consider to be idealistic and unpractical there is still plenty of indisputable and objective scientific evidence from quantum mechanics that the means ( process ) are vital and can actually determine the end ( result ). Furthermore, quantum mechanics has also conclusively proven the importance of our consciousness ( or choice ) in shaping our own future and, hence, the existence of free will. For those interested to know more here is the link to my own brief notes on quantum mechanics:- https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=166929050031700
As any sane human being will agree that we cannot work against the laws of nature without suffering the dire consequences all anti-nature crimes must be avoided at all costs. Just to name a few obvious examples, actions and reactions are equal and opposite. Therefore, never oppress our citizens. Cause and effect are inevitably linked. So, wrong doers take notice that your time of reckoning is at hand. The higher you go the harder you fall as dictated by the law of gravity which shapes the physical universe. All autocrats will fall to pieces from their illegitimate pinnacle of power to which they have criminally attained by all evil means. Stop bull shitting about the end justifying the means because the means are part and parcel of the end. Any end, however holy, achieved by evil means can be nothing else but evil.
JKHC.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Poem - Earnest Hope - Poetry & Prose - ( 9 ) - May 28, 2011
Poem ( 詞 ) - Poetry & Prose - ( 9 ) - Earnest Hope ( 厚望 ) - May 28, 2011
年少氣昂，不憂。
In my youth I had high confidence and never feared.
萬般壯志， 未酬。
I was full of ideals but very few did materialize.
瞬即越甲，心自疚。
Now that I'm past sixty I feel some remorse.
難回首，賞清煙，道當年苦愁。
It is hard to face my memories and youthful sorrows.
試看小艾，望厚。
Let us pin our earnest hope on the young to succeed.
坐擁蠻勁，奮鬥。
Hope they possess the zeal to take up the challenge.
可有能耐，革新猷。
See if they have got what it takes to revolutionize society.
願天賜，才八斗，創萬世千秋。
May heaven endow them with talents to build a better world !
JKHC ( 鄭冠合 )
( Note : This is my encouragement to a friend who has become a youth adviser
賀友人榮任青年顧問之喜 )
年少氣昂，不憂。
In my youth I had high confidence and never feared.
萬般壯志， 未酬。
I was full of ideals but very few did materialize.
瞬即越甲，心自疚。
Now that I'm past sixty I feel some remorse.
難回首，賞清煙，道當年苦愁。
It is hard to face my memories and youthful sorrows.
試看小艾，望厚。
Let us pin our earnest hope on the young to succeed.
坐擁蠻勁，奮鬥。
Hope they possess the zeal to take up the challenge.
可有能耐，革新猷。
See if they have got what it takes to revolutionize society.
願天賜，才八斗，創萬世千秋。
May heaven endow them with talents to build a better world !
JKHC ( 鄭冠合 )
( Note : This is my encouragement to a friend who has become a youth adviser
賀友人榮任青年顧問之喜 )
Friday, May 27, 2011
Poem - Do Yourself Proud - Poetry & Prose ( 8 ) - May 28, 2011
Poem - Poetry & Prose - ( 8 ) - Do Yourself Proud ( 傲風霜 ) - May 28, 2011
浮生亂世易迷途，
In this chaotic and transient world it is so easy to lose our way
慌亂無助愧為奴，
A sense of fear and helplessness will ultimately enslave you
唯憑忠義來相對，
Only through unwavering justice and perseverance can you prevail over chaos
不枉此生風霜傲。
So do yourself proud and your life will be a personal victory.
JKHC ( 鄭冠合 )
浮生亂世易迷途，
In this chaotic and transient world it is so easy to lose our way
慌亂無助愧為奴，
A sense of fear and helplessness will ultimately enslave you
唯憑忠義來相對，
Only through unwavering justice and perseverance can you prevail over chaos
不枉此生風霜傲。
So do yourself proud and your life will be a personal victory.
JKHC ( 鄭冠合 )
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 74 ) - May 22, 2011
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 74 ) - What is life ? - May 22, 2011
There are many definitions of life depending on one's perspective. Generally, there are three different perspectives on life - the scientific angle, the spiritual angle and the personal angle. Rather than defining life which is a very complicated phenomenon it may sometimes be sensible to identify the characteristics associated with life to highlight its special qualities.
Scientifically, life may be defined as an autonomous bio-system which can carry out biological functions such as respiration, nutrition, self repairs and reproduction to pass on its genes. The last function of passing on its genes is perhaps the most defining as it separates one specie from another. The genes give a particular specie its own character so to speak.
From the spiritual angle which at present is only applicable to intelligent beings like humans the defining characteristic is one's own consciousness. Unfortunately, consciousness is itself an illusive concept meaning different things to different people depending on their cultural and religious background. With the advance in technology such as brain scanning equipment scientists hope to pin down the nature of the human consciousness. Meanwhile, our consciousness can only be detected in our behaviour and personal character traits. That is the reason why there is a third angle on life called the personal angle.
Notwithstanding all the complications in defining or identifying the characteristics of life there are a few most cherished and generally revered characteristics of life. High on the list of such noble qualities is empathy closely followed by sacrifice, perseverance and resilience against adversities. When we reflect on our heroes and heroins in history we inevitably find one or more of these noble characteristics manifested in their heroic deeds. While empathy makes us human sacrifice makes us saints. On the other hand, perseverance and resilience make us formidable fighters in life. Despite all our human weaknesses we must all aspire for the noble qualities that define us as respectable human beings who can claim to have lived a meaningful life.
JKHC.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 73 ) - May 19, 2011
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 73 ) - A Self Defeating Strategy - May 19, 2011
Some autocratic governments use the economic card to justify their monopoly on power. By increasing a country's gross domestic product and amassing huge trade surpluses it justifies its hold on the governing mechanism through emphasis on stability above everything else by the ruthless silencing of any form of dissent. So much so that mere verbal challenges to any government policy are treated as criminal sedition against the state.
By rogue enforcement of the so called legal system that applies different standards to different classes of citizens favouring party members and those related to the ruling bureaucracy and mistreating common citizens and persecuting those who dare to speak against any corrupt officials in search for social justice such autocratic regime stays in power. This is a pathetic and lamentable situation. In notoriously classic " Animal Farm " style as George Orwell foretold such an autocratic government continues to exploit the proletariat whom its hypocritical political ideology professes to defend. The autocrats shamelessly hold on to their illegitimate gains through corruption or under the guise of policies carried out in the " public interest " and sharing the loot among members of the party and their hangmen.
However, to their own detriment, the autocrats have failed or have purposely ignored the inherent seeds of destruction spawned by this self contradictory strategy of " stability above everything else ". This is because with the improvements on the material level citizens especially the intellectuals and idealistic younger generation will inevitably aspire for social justice and more equality. Therefore, such self defeating economic and political strategy is unsustainable in the long run. This is the inevitability of the Marxist view of class struggle between the " Haves " ( the privileged party members and the bureaucrats ) and " Have Nots " ( the common citizens ). In time, the autocrats will definitely swallow the bitter medicine of their own follies. Autocrats and your hangmen be warned on the pain of death from the vengeful hands of natural justice resulting from the invariant law of cause and effect !
JKHC.
Some autocratic governments use the economic card to justify their monopoly on power. By increasing a country's gross domestic product and amassing huge trade surpluses it justifies its hold on the governing mechanism through emphasis on stability above everything else by the ruthless silencing of any form of dissent. So much so that mere verbal challenges to any government policy are treated as criminal sedition against the state.
By rogue enforcement of the so called legal system that applies different standards to different classes of citizens favouring party members and those related to the ruling bureaucracy and mistreating common citizens and persecuting those who dare to speak against any corrupt officials in search for social justice such autocratic regime stays in power. This is a pathetic and lamentable situation. In notoriously classic " Animal Farm " style as George Orwell foretold such an autocratic government continues to exploit the proletariat whom its hypocritical political ideology professes to defend. The autocrats shamelessly hold on to their illegitimate gains through corruption or under the guise of policies carried out in the " public interest " and sharing the loot among members of the party and their hangmen.
However, to their own detriment, the autocrats have failed or have purposely ignored the inherent seeds of destruction spawned by this self contradictory strategy of " stability above everything else ". This is because with the improvements on the material level citizens especially the intellectuals and idealistic younger generation will inevitably aspire for social justice and more equality. Therefore, such self defeating economic and political strategy is unsustainable in the long run. This is the inevitability of the Marxist view of class struggle between the " Haves " ( the privileged party members and the bureaucrats ) and " Have Nots " ( the common citizens ). In time, the autocrats will definitely swallow the bitter medicine of their own follies. Autocrats and your hangmen be warned on the pain of death from the vengeful hands of natural justice resulting from the invariant law of cause and effect !
JKHC.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Poem - Ode to Chinese May Fourth New Culture Movement 1919 - Poetry & Prose - ( 7 ) - May 4, 2011
Poem - Ode to Chinese May Fourth New Culture Movement 1919 - ( 五四盼頌 ) - Poetry & Prose - ( 7 ) - May 4, 2011
五四轉瞬又九二,
May Fourth Movement turns ninety-second anniversary sadly as a wimp.
中華精英起義遲，
The Chinese intellectual elites are still striving hard for social reform.
寄望青出於藍日,
Let's pin our hope on the brighter and more dedicated youths of today.
風起雲湧報國時。
It's time for them to serve their beloved people and country with zeal !
JKHC ( 鄭冠合 )
( 後感 : 願公理，正義，理性，精誠， 博愛，與同情心，永遠長存！)
( After thought : May justice, righteousness, reason, zeal, fraternity and compassion endure for all eternity ! )
五四轉瞬又九二,
May Fourth Movement turns ninety-second anniversary sadly as a wimp.
中華精英起義遲，
The Chinese intellectual elites are still striving hard for social reform.
寄望青出於藍日,
Let's pin our hope on the brighter and more dedicated youths of today.
風起雲湧報國時。
It's time for them to serve their beloved people and country with zeal !
JKHC ( 鄭冠合 )
( 後感 : 願公理，正義，理性，精誠， 博愛，與同情心，永遠長存！)
( After thought : May justice, righteousness, reason, zeal, fraternity and compassion endure for all eternity ! )
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