阿霸走後一個多星期，有人關心問我最近好嗎？

才說了「少部分時候，得提醒自己抬頭挺胸，否則好像會整個碎掉、散落一地。」就看到這篇。

Alain De Botton

Most of the time, we have to be strong, we must not show our fragility.

We’ve known that since the schoolyard.

There is always a fragile bit of us, but we keep it very hidden.

Yet Venetian glass doesn’t apologise for its weakness.

It admits its delicacy; it is confident enough to demand careful treatment;

it makes the world understand it could easily be damaged.

It’s not fragile because of a deficiency, or by mistake.

It’s not as if its maker was trying to make it tough and hardy

and then – stupidly – ended up with something a child could snap,

or that would be shattered by clumsy mishandling.

It is fragile and easily harmed as the consequence of

its search for transparency and refinement

and its desire to welcome sunlight and candle light into its depths.

Glass can achieve wonderful effects but the necessary price is fragility.

Some good things have to be delicate -the dish says:

‘I am delightful, but if you knock me about I’ll break,and that’s not my fault.’

It is the duty of civilisation

to allow the more delicate forms of human activity to thrive;

to create environments where it is OK to be fragile.

And we know, really, that it is not glass which most needs this care,

it is ourselves. It’s obvious the glass could easily be smashed,

so it makes you use your fingers tenderly;

you have to be careful how you grasp the stem.

It teaches us that moderation is admirable, and elegant,

not just a tedious demand.

It tells us that being careful is glamorous and exciting – even fashionable.

It is a moral tale about gentleness, told by means of a drinking vessel.

This is training for the more important moments in life

when moderation will make a real difference to other people.

Being mature – and civilised – means being aware of the effect of one’s strength on others.

CEO’s please take note.(hahaha,the last sentance makes me laugh)