The last matchstick

I'm in a very nice hotel in Shen Zhen now, and just finished watching a movie before I rest for the day, and an overwhelming urge to write this blog overcomes my tiredness.

Interestingly and surprisingly (very surprising), I have just watched 2 of the best movies in China; "The Reader", and "Battle in Seattle". Only started watching the movie in the middle, but it is enough to convince me that these are two of the best movies I've ever watched.
(Either the cable TV here has a very good selection or I just haven't watched enough quality movies at home.) Also, watched a short section of 百家论坛，and it was very good. I actually have a set of DVDs for 于丹, but didn't watch it at home. Sounds familar right? We tend to live in the past or future, and never in the present.

Anyway, I just finished watching a very good movie, "Battle in Seattle", and there was a scene in the prison, where one of the optimistic guy was cheering up his leader/peer, Jay.

And this kicks off a series of strong emotions, prompting me to write this blog in the middle of the night. Lately, I have always wondered what I want to do for my career, and have shortlisted a few options: Back into Management Consulting, Go Freelancing, Plunge into Financial Services, etc. And I have also pondered what approach should I take for my life in general, and again shortlisted a few options: a simple and contented life, join/continue the rat race and enjoy the high life, join a NGO, venture overseas, etc.

The scene in the "Battle in Seattle" sparked a series of forgotten memories and powerful emotions. As a child, I was fascinated with fire, and had even kept a firework toolbox, with matches, alcohol wipes, sparklers, lighters, candles, party poppers, and whatever a kid can garner. I remembered that sometimes when we set up fire in the playground (disclaimer: those were the days where playgrounds are built on sands, and playing with fire at playgrounds are not uncommon), the wind was so strong that the fire just won't start. We have to skillfully shield the matchstick's fire away from the wind, and try to get a fire started.

Remember when the wind is so strong that the fire just couldn't get started? Remember when each time you struck a matchstick, the fire would go out almost immediately? And remember the time when you have only one last matchstick to make it work?

Well, this is what I want to be. No matter what direction I will take, this shall become one of my guiding principles.


Avoid the shadow warriors and leave the poison behind
The puck starts where the nonsense ends
Be like water and become the last matchstick