Originally posted by extrinsic:
To those who read the story and can understand the meaning under, then good.. To those who choose to read into the fine fine lines and spoilt it, also good lo.
Each person is entitled to each views, and we cannot change that.
To quote another example again, adolf hitler or osama is not a bad guy, because they see and think their views is correct
so is the raping of nanking by the japs, ww1, ww2 etc.
the person who started the above event in his/her views, they are correct
so in short, no right or wrong. only a different point of perspective.
It's not that anyone misunderstands what the story is trying to get across.
It's like the story of the businessman/investor asking the 'lazy' fisherman why he's just lounging around doing nothing when he could be trying to build up his business and earn more money. The fisherman asks the businessman why he would want to do that and the businessman tells him that with the money he would make, he can enjoy life. The fisherman then replies that's what he is already doing.
My thinking here is okay, so the fisherman is happy with what he has and doesn't need more so he doesn't pursue it. Great! As long as he's happy.
The problem I have with the story about the kid is, although he waxes fondly of the creek, the endless fields, etc., would he want to trade places with them? Also, it's good that he said what he did to his dad. If he said that to the poor, he would probably get whacked.
And that's another thing about the rich. They have options. If they wanted to, they could live like the poor. The poor have no options.
Let's share one more story.
A rich man just finished an expensive steak and lobster meal. As he is walking to his car, he sees a poor man sitting on a kerb eating a packet of rice garnished with some vegetables.
The rich man then says to the poor man, "You are so lucky! As a rich person, I keep eating a high fat, high cholesterol diet. I drink too much of the best wine and brandy because it tastes so good! I end up having to pay so much on medical bills. Furthermore I also have to have a gym membership and a personal trainer to help me control my weight! But you don't have all these problems. You eat a healthy, mostly vegetarian diet. You don't have to go gym or see the doctor regularly. Now I know how unfortunate I am!"