自ら体験することの大切さ | エッセー | 英語のニュース

Essay

Part Twelve -- Pockets of humanity

Over the past few weeks, I've slept on a tropical beach in the Pacific, driven in the snow in Detroit, shopped in Los Angeles, gone to the symphony in Sweden, eaten barbecue in Texas, drunk beer in Germany and drunk vodka in Poland. Along with those experiences, I've also suffered through jet lag, clogged sinuses and general physical bloating. I'm not bragging, this is my life.

I'm sure all of this sounds exciting to some of you, but things aren't always how they sound. Airport after airport, bad food, sporadic sleep; it's not all fun and games. That said, one positive aspect to all of this travel is being able to experience firsthand the magic of humanity and the beauty of the Earth. I've spent many hours looking out the window watching the world go by from 12,000 meters in the air.

When people sit at home every night and watch TV, they lose track of how the world "really" works. If you view the world as it's portrayed by 24-hour news networks and talk shows, you might think there was nothing but war and scandals in the world. Perhaps this makes people think it's better to stay at home where it's safe.

The truth, though, is that the world is inhabited by millions of wonderful people trying hard to live good lives. When you crisscross the globe as frequently as I do, you begin to appreciate different countries, different cultures, and yes, different ways of thinking. There are pockets of humanity in every corner of the planet doing what they do everyday in their own special ways.

I have no idea how we as the human race became so diversified, but it is an amazing thing to be a part of. With modern transportation, we can change our location and our mental perspective all within a few hours.

This is my twelfth essay for ST (and my one year anniversary writing this column). I'd like to propose that from today we all spend more time concentrating on our positive differences rather than our negative ones, that we all take the initiative to make a friend from a different country or culture, and that we all try to keep an open mind.

And whenever you can, take a trip, physically get out there and become part of the world.

Shukan ST: March 5, 2010

●英字新聞社ジャパンタイムズによる英語学習サイト。英語のニュース、英語教材、TOEIC、リスニング、英語の発音、ことわざ、などのコンテンツを無料で提供。
	脚注を印刷吹き出し表示フレーム表示
Essay Part Twelve -- Pockets of humanity By Garry Bassin Over the past few weeks, I've slept on a tropical beach in the Pacific, driven in the snow in Detroit, shopped in Los Angeles, gone to the symphony in Sweden, eaten barbecue in Texas, drunk beer in Germany and drunk vodka in Poland. Along with those experiences, I've also suffered through jet lag, clogged sinuses and general physical bloating. I'm not bragging, this is my life. I'm sure all of this sounds exciting to some of you, but things aren't always how they sound. Airport after airport, bad food, sporadic sleep; it's not all fun and games. That said, one positive aspect to all of this travel is being able to experience firsthand the magic of humanity and the beauty of the Earth. I've spent many hours looking out the window watching the world go by from 12,000 meters in the air. When people sit at home every night and watch TV, they lose track of how the world "really" works. If you view the world as it's portrayed by 24-hour news networks and talk shows, you might think there was nothing but war and scandals in the world. Perhaps this makes people think it's better to stay at home where it's safe. The truth, though, is that the world is inhabited by millions of wonderful people trying hard to live good lives. When you crisscross the globe as frequently as I do, you begin to appreciate different countries, different cultures, and yes, different ways of thinking. There are pockets of humanity in every corner of the planet doing what they do everyday in their own special ways. I have no idea how we as the human race became so diversified, but it is an amazing thing to be a part of. With modern transportation, we can change our location and our mental perspective all within a few hours. This is my twelfth essay for ST (and my one year anniversary writing this column). I'd like to propose that from today we all spend more time concentrating on our positive differences rather than our negative ones, that we all take the initiative to make a friend from a different country or culture, and that we all try to keep an open mind. And whenever you can, take a trip, physically get out there and become part of the world. Shukan ST: March 5, 2010 (C) All rights reserved