5/04/2007

The other side of Singaporeans

Aaron Ho Chien Kwok lamented the constant pursuit of material wealth as the new obsession of Singaporeans at the expense of spiritual or social wellbeing. Aaron was not quoting the bible or other spiritual wisdom but the simple and plain goodness of living, that there is more than just accumulation of material wealth. And he is not alone. In his article to the Today paper, he was concerned at how such ideas of me first have been reinforced daily in all media by all well meaning people. The acquisition of wealth is a good thing as it brings about a more comfortable and luxurious lifestyle, and freedom from want. But the social, moral and spiritual self are equally important. There must be a balance as we live out our lives. Aaron quoted the age old wisdom of 'What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul.' This is very similar to the temptation of Jesus Christ by the devil. The devil offered Jesus all the wealth and kingdoms. Come to the dark side. But Jesus plainly rejected them for higher moral and spiritual well beings. I love hedonism. But I am careful not to be carried away.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

another point of ascension requires you to throw yourself against ten pieces of broken gravestone. the assurance is that you are so enraptured in 'love and grace' you shall be immune to wrath.

a 10% for a 100 fold return who can resist huh?

Anonymous said...

This guy is another one of those cry-baby party-poopers who are themselves so weak in spirit, are probably life's losers, lead shallow lives, are rejected by their own family (wonder why?), belong to "groups" for "identity validation", and are hell-bent on making everyone else is as miserable as they are by trying to make others feel "guilty" about having a good time with their lives.

Mr Kwok is free to choose his own life — he can sit on a mountain and contemplate his navel, until a messiah arrives, for all I care.

Every willfully chosen human action (without exception), is to "maximise utility" or "increase one's wealth" — even if it the action is chosen to limit or avoid "loss".

Self-interest makes the world go around — that ain't gonna change anytime soon.

Small wonder why "Today" is such a shitty paper if they publish tripe like what was mentioned in the post.

Makes one want to be cautious about agreeing with the opinion of any two-bit essay writer — one who happens upon a job in the print media, have his opinion published only to dupe the unwary and infect their minds with really bad ideas.

Chua Chin Leng aka redbean said...

everyone is entitled to his opinion and to live a life he chooses.

now what's wrong with that matilah?

enjoy yourself man!

Anonymous said...

You're repeating what I already said.

Pay attention!