To be or not to be?

The Chinese character for 'patience' is a very interesting one which I adore very much as it forms a core part of good values in life. It basically comprises of two words: the word 'knife' and the word 'heart' at the bottom. In simple explaination, it means that even when one's heart is being 'stabbed' with a knife, one must not retaliate.

Yes, even when you are being bullied,whacked,ridiculed and screwed by the politicians, you must not retaliate. No matter how hurtful it is, be patient my friend, just be patient. So you see how meaningful the word is and how it is being expressed: beauty and full of character.

This virtue, simple as it may sound, takes a lot of willpower of a person to control his emotions. Hence, the saying "Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself."

The virtue of patience is a very powerful tool when put in used in its proper perspective like in war, politics, sports and even gambling like in a poker game.

In the context of all the political happenings in Malaysia, where racial hatreds are being stirred and where animosities are being aroused by the political evils, we should be glad that there are no major clashes among the various races except for some fierce verbal rumblings. See how patience we Malaysians are.

I believe the patience of the people must be running thin now as we have been 'stabbed' on all fronts for far too long: corruptions, racism, injustice, inequality and religion extremism. Should we hold on to our patience and wait for the change within or should we unite to change this country?

After all, there is a Chinese saying: Even the monk also got fire.