From the SMU Library

My friend commented that SMU Library has a staggering number of people studying on a beautiful, lazy afternoon, on a Week 2 Monday. Might I remind you, friend, so are you! (and me)

Malcolm Gladwell in his book, Outliers, explained why Asian people, especially those who descended from a rice paddy legacy, are more hardworking. Rice planting is back breaking, but to all rice farmers, it is a rewarding work. The harder you work at it, you more crops you should get. Planting rice is also very challenging; you need the rights level of soil, mixed of breeds, very precise water irrigation (these methods have long been improved all throughout ancient China) and whatnots. Contrary to what people think, it's because work is challenging that people will put in the effort. On a side note, one of the reasons why I like SMU is because it's challenging. (but not all things are meaningfully challenging)

Anyway, back to hardworking Asians, the kind of cultural legacy left behind on what hard work really means is so ingrained in us that we don't even know it. I can't explain why I feel compelled to spend 3 hours practising Excel, as if my life depends on it. Or why I MUST DIE DIE finish my readings before class starts. Just like how a rice farmer never wakes up a minute later before dawn even starts because a small slip up is well, not in his nature.

My only heartache is when my friends tell me that despite how much effort they've put into their work, their grades dun fairly reflect that. But hey, just live and let live. At least you know you gave your best. Because God doesn't look at your achievements but at your heart and how you've handled what you've been given. Work it, as unto the Lord. :)