Horizon

I personally found that the following thought coincides with my own. Hence, I would like to share this with those who have not read the book. However, I propose to my religious friends to ignore this post as I do not wish to discuss religions here. For my non-religious friends, you are welcome to share your thoughts and comments here.

I cannot prove that gods do not exist. Nor can I prove that the world and everything in it was not created by an entity or entities in the distant past… we have studied the nature, we have never witness an instance where the rules that govern the world have been broken. That is, we have never seen a miracle. Many events have defied our ability to explain, but we are convinced that  we failed because we are still woefully ignorant about the universe and not because a deity altered the working of nature…

Death, sickness, poverty, tyranny, and countless other miseries stalk the land. If this is the handiwork of divine beings, then they are to be rebelled against and overthrown, not given obeisance, obedience, and reverence…

We give credence only to that which we can prove exists. Since we cannot find evidence that gods, miracles, and other supernatural things are real, we do not trouble ourselves about them. If that were to change, if *** were to reveal himself to us, then we would accept the new information and revise our position…

It is a better world. A place where we are responsible for our own actions, where we can be kind to one another because we want to and because it is the right thing to do instead of being frightened into behaving by the threat of divine punishment.It is far better to be taught to think critically and then be allowed to make your own decisions than to have someone else notions thrust upon you…

~excerpt from page 542-544 of Eldest, Book Two of INHERITANCE (Eragon is Book One) by Christopher Paolini.

I’ve kind of abridged it. Therefore it may not sound complete to you. For those who are interested to read the original version, I’ll be more than happy to lend you the book.

Do you believe in luck? Some people say that there’s nothing as important as luck; you can toil all you want but you may not get what you want if luck is not on your side. Others are of the opinion that luck only accompanies those who make an effort or those with ability. While, a handful thinks that there is no such thing as luck, only one’s competence affects his fate.

Me? I’m a believer of luck. I’ve always thought that I’m a blessed child (blessed man now?), possessing mostly everything that one could possibly wished for. A loving family (caring and dedicated parents, "cute and obedient" sisters), fun and loyal friends, supportive extended family members, and all those around me who have been so kind and helpful (teachers in school or tuition, neighbours, acquaintances…). If it’s not luck that brings them to me, or me to them…

Oh ya! For those who have yet to know, I’m now in Korea. I’m under an exchange programme between UM and Inje University, Korea. I’ll be here for two and a half months, joining their lab. So, this will be my industrial training. And I believe it’s luck that brings me here too. Out of so many faculties in UM, it’s the Engineering Faculty (and Medicine Faculty) that are participating in this programme. And out of the ten departments in Engineering Faculty, my department (Biomedical Engineering) is chosen. My, my… Without striking occurrence of all these conditions, I guess I’ll have to wait for quite some time to be able to travel overseas.

I would like to post some of my experiences here but they do not seem relevant to my topic. So, back to luck. Is anyone thinking that I’m showing off here? Not you, I hope. Those who read my blog should be someone who knows me well and cares for me. Aren’t you? *wink* (or at least I hope so; you need not leave a comment on this, I assumed so on my own =D)

Actually, I’m just wanting to express my gratitude for everything. During the preparation for this trip to Korea, I’ve received much favours, attention, concern and financial support from all around. So, I would like to take this chance to thank everyone; from my ever-so-supportive family to acquaintances who have wished me a safe journey ere my departure. A great, heartfelt thank-you to everyone…

For "luck-believers", I wish all of you good luck; for non-believers, may you get what you want through your effort. Of course, there won’t be free lunches lying around in this world. But sometimes there may be one by invitation. May everyone have a chance to be invited…

Yours sincerely,

~wwf