A NeverEnding Story...

Winners never 'quit'

Flan stared at the statement for a while.

She couldn't help but nod her head in agreement. It is fascinating to see how that one phrase - 3 words - can be applied to so many people and in so many different ways. Words so easy to say, but not that easy to put into action. But then again, how hard is it to breathe (translation: stay alive) and to dream (translation: live the way you want)? She laughed at the irony of her own situation, where she had to literally quit in order not to give up (or in other words, quit) on herself and her dreams. Flan likes to think of herself as a fighter - an energizer battery that goes "Never say die"...even when there ain't any energy left. "Belief" is such a strong and powerful word - and so dangerous. It can make you or ruin you.

On this topic, Flan is reminded of the very first talk she attended about the Singapore Biennale where the chief curator had informed everyone that the theme for this exhibition was "belief". The artworks were supposed to reflect the artist's view of the word "belief" and what that word means to him or her. Flan hadn't paid much attention to the enormity of the word until she had to translate it to a group of elderly people some days later...

"Oh..erm, O'Hara, could you please explain what do you mean by 'belief'...Do you mean religious beliefs? Or personal..."Flan's voice faltered, not sure how to phrase the question anymore. She frowned at the question - "What is your belief?", as she waited for the 1.8-metre tall Japanese artist to enlighten her.
"Yes yes, it can be what your belief is, and what you believe in..." He replied, struggling to string the words together.
"Ahh...ok." Flan hoped she sounded reassured, because she hadn't a clue what it meant nor did she know how she could translate that term or idea into Cantonese. She tried answering the question herself, and boy was it tough. In what context?!

The old lady sitting in front of her was 87 years old. Yes, she believed that money is important. Yes, she believed in Guan Yin. She also believed that she is happy because she has food, she has friends, and she has a roof to stay under. No, no other beliefs.

Somehow, Flan thinks that it's her fault that the old lady didn't seem to have anymore beliefs. Perhaps if she had rephrased her question, gave some more examples, the lady would get it.

Or maybe, when you are 87, the word, "belief", becomes just...a word.

posted by Flaneur @ 6:44 AM