謝錫迦 江西師范大學

The Square Watermelon

The first time I saw a square watermelon, my hair stood on end. Years ago a Japanese came up with the idea of square watermelons because he thought it would save more space. Intelligent and effective as it is, have you ever thought about how tragic it is for the watermelon?

I can't imagine that poor fruit's childhood, being imprisoned and limited in a dark cubic cell, not even able to stretch its arms and legs. Because only in this way, can it truly become a square watermelon.

Unfortunately, isn't this the way we grew up? Under the pressure of being forced to strive for one goal after another, we almost became identical. However, at the same time, there is still a bunch of people, careless of the dark cell, following their passion, their dreams.

Maybe there is not a "right" or "wrong" between being forced by pressure or following your dream. I mean, pressure can make things going in an effective, though boring, way. By contrast, passion and dreams enrich your life, though sometimes it's risky to stick to them. Nevertheless, Ladies and gentlemen, following your dream with passion is what everyone should choose to do.

Let me explain it this way.

My grandmother was very shocked when she found out that I know what my cousin sister is doing simply by clicking on her blog. Hesitating for a little while, though, She asked for my help and decided to start her "social network life" at the advanced age of 85.

Think about this, A woman didn't give up her passion, and tried not to fall behind, even almost in the evening of her life. What supported her is her passion and her dream. The sad truth is that not everyone is able to enjoy this part of life. When they become old, or, as some would say, when they become mature, their mind is imprisoned into a box, partly by society, partly by themselves. They have tons of things they must do also tons of things they must not do. In essence, thousands of millions of people are becoming like square melons with an imprisoned mind.

This reminds me of a book I once read called "Brave New World". In the story, the world in 2532 is highly efficient, stable and prosperous. People are classified before they are born, when they are from the same family they will have the same face, the same abilities and same future. That’s a world in which there’s no passion or dream. Only pressure and and striving.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the world we could end up in, if we allow ourselves to be blocked in, like the square melons.