15 August 2006

que rica

'atlas shrugged' has been making me think a lot about the concept of 'humanitarianism' in the contrived manner it is usually delivered in. the hand out, the 'donation' the 'charity' wrapped in cultural genocide and all of that crap. 
but nonetheless my purpose has never seemed so clear as this moment when one of our teachers, a doctor, was finishing an afternoon session on village work.
he was carrying his many kilos with weightless grace as he paced and paced in the humble 'training room' in front of us.
'so why do you want to do this, hm? really. im curious. your choice is ridiculous and difficult. give me an answer.'
silence, followed by a few of us young pups offering things along the lines of..well uh id like to help people? its interesting?  
he pushed us harder. but our 'reasons' looked so hollow written on the chalkboard; not reasons but mere 'motivations'. he shook his head.
'well. if you find the reason, please inform me. I don't have the answer either; perhaps I never will.' he paused and leaned his hands on the table and looked at us. 'I think perhaps there is no reason. but I know this--I have merely felt it. I have FELT it in them and that is my sole reason.'

3 comments:

Lalit Narayan said...

This hopefully sums a lot up

"True generosity consists precisely in fighting to destroy the causes which nourish false charity" - Paulo Freire

Anonymous said...

Natalie. I miss you so much. So so so much. I can't wait to see you next week.
-Your sister

Anonymous said...

"As long as we wait for the right motivation to help someone, we never will"
-Charlie Keen