tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post8572260599516321602..comments2024-03-19T15:15:10.092+08:00Comments on Little Stories: Life As A CompetitionGilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-35439714214221585582008-09-18T01:19:00.000+08:002008-09-18T01:19:00.000+08:00People in singapore, like you said, grow up learni...People in singapore, like you said, grow up learning that education comes first, then they are taught "Your career should be first priority - don't waste time on having children." The world now Mr. Wang revolves around money and material things unfortunately and peoples descision usually is to keep on making money and buy material things. Due to the fact that the world, not only singapore, revolves around this, they dont realize what a gift it is to have kids. <BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/>RheaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-7240018015947346192008-09-03T09:27:00.000+08:002008-09-03T09:27:00.000+08:00NoName:No evidence is no evidence. No need for sni...NoName:<BR/><BR/>No evidence is no evidence. No need for snide, brown nosing or patronizing words.<BR/><BR/>Totally pwned and don't even know it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-63998351735946217362008-09-02T17:20:00.000+08:002008-09-02T17:20:00.000+08:00NoName thinks I am Buddha. No, I decline this bait...NoName thinks I am Buddha. No, I decline this bait. Buddha is faaaar more advanced in his abilities; he transcends his desires altogether, while I merely keep fulfilling mine with my extraordinary mind/reality abilities. :DGilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-21915472393821905362008-09-02T17:11:00.000+08:002008-09-02T17:11:00.000+08:00If you had done your homework, you would know that...If you had done your homework, you would know that that was an expression to bait Mr Wang.<BR/><BR/>Looks like Mr Wang is not taking bait. I am unworthy :-S<BR/><BR/>Strictly speaking, there was no hard evidence that Marie-Antoinette actually spoke the infamous phrase. So you cannot be correct about what "cake" meant. In fact, it was more likely to be by a earlier queen who was referring to <A HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_Them_Eat_Cake" REL="nofollow">pastry</A>.<BR/><BR/>As a rule, I am lazy and do not usually spoon-feed but it difficult chatting with you.<BR/><BR/>(Yes, I am quite bored now.)<BR/><BR/>C'mon, even a broken down clock is correct twice a day :-)<BR/><BR/>You really should check out this link:<BR/><BR/>www.google.com<BR/><BR/>NoNameAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-75649019995112859542008-09-01T11:25:00.000+08:002008-09-01T11:25:00.000+08:00NoName,Don't mind my saying but your views are too...NoName,<BR/><BR/>Don't mind my saying but your views are too narrow, and somewhat limited to Singapore. Just because things are done a peculiar way doesn't mean it's the only way. I cannot understand why you keep bringing the government into the argument. People create the unwritten rules in society. You write your posts as if you are the final say in the matter. It's all so... well, PAP like. (I applaud blah blah. Let's move on blah blah - sounds familiar?)<BR/><BR/>What education stats were you referring to? Is it so well proven that you cannot find it? At least have the courtesy to add a link. And the stats that I was referring to was not about education.<BR/><BR/>What has been proven for thousands of years anyhow?<BR/><BR/>I think you've also missed the entire gist of these posts: the entire argument is that Life doesn't have to be a competition. And there you go talking about landed property, career etc. <BR/><BR/>I'm also speaking from experience, and I'm also enhancing a virtuous cycle. I don't see you clapping? What it really comes down to is that you've a preconceived idea that I'm arrogant and you don't like that. I think it's ridiculous to come to that kind of judgment just because I have an opinion and can argue it. Please argue an idea and reason through it. You have yet to provide a shred of evidence, or statistic.<BR/><BR/><BR/>By the way, I hope you realise that cake, in Marie-Antoinette time, was the charred left over from making bread. Also Mr. Wang is not touting anything, less techniques.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-3237034661450178442008-08-30T19:09:00.000+08:002008-08-30T19:09:00.000+08:00Dear KlimmerWe are nobodies as in nobodies. As in ...Dear Klimmer<BR/><BR/>We are nobodies as in nobodies. As in not very intelligent.<BR/><BR/>Your arguments re kids and education are all disproved in the stats provided by MOM and the stats department.(Of course u may interpret the sats differently. You are free to do so.) If you are too busy and wish to use anecdotal evidence, you may want to ponder why our notoriously tight fisted gahmen has gone from sterilizing singaporeans like stray curs to giving $1.6 billion to encourage breeding. Or to build a new university. Singaporean workers with recognised degrees should be under 15%.<BR/><BR/>Mr Wang is maybe smug but not arrogant. Well, he is successful in everything (career, kids, etc), except LANDED PROPERTY so he has every right to be so. And this is his blog so he can write anything he wishes!<BR/><BR/>Besides he is touting techniques that has been proven for thousands of years. So he is doing a service. Even if he sometimes sounds like a certain french queen who advised her subjects to eat cake. which is delicious and satisfies hunger.<BR/><BR/>Just kidding. Mr Wang is speaking from his experience and everything he does is to enhance a virtuous cycle. So it would be unfair for him to understand us mere mortals. And Mr Wang is not even from PAP. Or so they say. He does seem to exhort his readers to have more babies so maybe he is just getting a commission :-p<BR/><BR/>Mr Wang has moved on. Lets do the same.<BR/>Btw, I should congrat u on doing so well despite ur circumstances. I know for a fact how few does so. Well done. Hope to see u inspiring the disadvantaged to do the same.<BR/><BR/>NoNameAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-76194832791631327252008-08-30T02:36:00.000+08:002008-08-30T02:36:00.000+08:00Thanks for the link, Mr Wang.But life cannot be li...Thanks for the link, Mr Wang.<BR/><BR/>But life cannot be lived completely on my own terms, can it? It's like maneuvering pass the defenders for the dunk. If your skill is no good, you still can't score. A life audit is there to keep your eye on the basket, but also the defenders. I'm rambling here.....Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570613568417961113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-61664204558381101672008-08-29T14:31:00.000+08:002008-08-29T14:31:00.000+08:00Nothing to do with life or competition.Just want t...Nothing to do with life or competition.<BR/><BR/>Just want to know your views if any on the <A HREF="http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/28/dnc.main/index.html?iref=mpstoryview#cnnSTCVideo" REL="nofollow">Obama speech</A>.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-4015076821402072012008-08-28T23:17:00.000+08:002008-08-28T23:17:00.000+08:00Life itself is a competition. A marathon race for ...Life itself is a competition. A marathon race for everyone who breathes to enjoy, complete and win. <BR/><BR/>The living person reserves the right to determine who he/she is racing against, the highest form of competition being the competition against the self. <BR/><BR/>Unfortunately, distractions abound from mundane competitors who feels that Life is a race where there are only a few selected who wins. Alas no! Everyone wins in this competition as long as he or she believes so. <BR/><BR/>If you compete only against yourself, endeavouring to better yourself at every possible chance, completing the race at your own pace and believing that you are winner. You are the winner. <BR/><BR/>And competition is about winning.<BR/><BR/>BC.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-50022697863107712982008-08-28T17:31:00.000+08:002008-08-28T17:31:00.000+08:00NoName,It's really annoying when you don't read th...NoName,<BR/><BR/>It's really annoying when you don't read the complete post.<BR/><BR/>I do not understand why you keep deferring to Social Darwinism on one hand while claiming to be charitable on the other. I never subscribed or approved of Social Darwinism, as I have iterated in all my previous posts. <BR/><BR/>"I do not know what past predicament you are talking about."<BR/>It's hard to tell you anon from each other.<BR/><BR/>"And somewhat disappointed that someone who have gone thru difficult times should still display such arrogance to tell others what to do, that your values are better."<BR/>Could you point out again at which point was I being arrogant? I was merely countering another anonymous poster's view that he had a hard life, hence his children will have a hard life. I countered giving an example of that statement being untrue.<BR/><BR/>"(Mr Wang can because this is his blog)"<BR/>So you're saying Mr Wang is arrogant, but in a good way?<BR/><BR/>"but who **** do you think you are?"<BR/>If my points sound reasonable, what does it matter who I am? Argue the points. So far I don't see any arguments, just cheap shots. Or are you suggesting that you'd find my arguments more believable if I was someone famous?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-32907431931151286472008-08-28T15:20:00.000+08:002008-08-28T15:20:00.000+08:00Correction:My point was: Anyone can easily say "my...Correction:<BR/><BR/>My point was: Anyone can easily say "my generation like kids", just as easily as "my generation dislike kids", if there's nothingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-70958681452940468382008-08-28T15:16:00.000+08:002008-08-28T15:16:00.000+08:00Hi KlimmerPlease note that I am merely MOCKING you...Hi Klimmer<BR/><BR/>Please note that I am merely MOCKING you and is not interested in any further discussion.<BR/><BR/>Oh, I have not idea who made that claim ...<BR/><BR/><I><BR/>The onus is on you, who claimed that "most my generation dont like kids" to provide statistics. <BR/></I><BR/><BR/>but who **** do you think you are?<BR/><BR/><I>Social Darwinism has long been outmoded.</I><BR/><BR/>The end of the anglo-saxon capitalism model that you worship will begin even in USA when Bush is finally booted out by Obama. Hell, even the PAP aspires (in their media) to "Swiss" standards. And grudgingly making minor concessions to Social Darwinism. They will have no choice. They will make more concessions by the next GE.<BR/><BR/><I><BR/>You have a bitter and mean streak. You expect compassion from others for your past and current predicament, but is unwilling to extend the same courtesy to society when you subscribe to social Darwinism.<BR/></I><BR/><BR/>I do not know what past predicament you are talking about.<BR/>I had a rather uneventful childhood and am doing very well thank you. <BR/><BR/>I do feel sorry for you because I actually help disadvantaged children from broken homes whenever I can. And somewhat disappointed that someone who have gone thru difficult times should still display such arrogance to tell others what to do, that your values are better. (Mr Wang can because this is his blog)<BR/><BR/>Anyway, this is not even funny anymore. We are two nobodies (and complete strangers) wasting space on Mr Wang's blog. <BR/><BR/>NoNameAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-18912674805174078072008-08-28T13:03:00.000+08:002008-08-28T13:03:00.000+08:00NoName:Please read carefully before posting.My poi...NoName:<BR/><BR/>Please read carefully before posting.<BR/><BR/>My point was: Anyone can easily say "my generation like kids", just as easily as "my generation like kids", if there's nothing substantiate it. I do not claim to be either. The onus is on you, who claimed that "most my generation dont like kids" to provide statistics. <BR/><BR/>Social Darwinism has long been outmoded.<BR/><BR/>You have a bitter and mean streak. You expect compassion from others for your past and current predicament, but is unwilling to extend the same courtesy to society when you subscribe to social Darwinism.<BR/><BR/>Really what is the point of your entire rant? That your point is the most valid? Civilised, reasonable people do not fly into a rage when dealing with objections.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-36436790472255958232008-08-28T11:42:00.000+08:002008-08-28T11:42:00.000+08:00Dear KlimmerI can say easily my generation likes k...Dear Klimmer<BR/><BR/><I><BR/>I can say easily my generation likes kids.<BR/></I><BR/><BR/>Then you better ask the gahmen to take back all the incentives. Not efficient!<BR/><BR/>I dun see you backing your sweeping statements with any stats.<BR/><BR/><I><BR/>I don't presume to give people advice, solicited or otherwise. <BR/></I><BR/><BR/>And you are not very consistent either.<BR/><BR/><I><BR/>But success is merely overcoming of adversity. Identifying hurdles <BR/></I><BR/><BR/>You are always correct becos you are Klimmer? Becos you have rised above your difficulties and that makes you qualified to pass judgement on others and be the final word on all issues?<BR/><BR/>I dun know if you have any kids. Times have change. The bar has been risen and the so-call "meritocratic" policies is changing Singapore into a Darwinian jungle.<BR/><BR/>speaking for myself, I BELIEVE that the difference between human and animals is compassion. People like urself, who have crawled out of the abyss, should know better instead of sprouting holier-than-thou statements.<BR/><BR/>And I am not interested in debating with you because , frankly, you are just another nobody and not worth the effort to compete.<BR/><BR/>NoNameAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-15057887263746954132008-08-28T11:02:00.000+08:002008-08-28T11:02:00.000+08:00And the other thing is that lots of Singaporeans s...And the other thing is that lots of Singaporeans seem to chase very hard for prizes that were never really what they wanted - but what their parents, teachers or relatives expected them to chase.<BR/><BR/>Then later they regret what they chose to study; or feel disengaged from the careers they've built for themselves, etc etc.<BR/><BR/>So what was all that chasing for? Silly rats.Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-56110815405200747802008-08-28T10:37:00.000+08:002008-08-28T10:37:00.000+08:00"This is the thing that trips lots of people up. T..."This is the thing that trips lots of people up. They believe that to earn more, you'll have to work harder."<BR/><BR/>Ditto on that.<BR/>Using less effort to achieve the same results is called efficiency. In the socialist's mind however, it's called sloth.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-13970236150675329882008-08-28T10:16:00.000+08:002008-08-28T10:16:00.000+08:00"Want to work less and earn more? You'll need a bi...<I> "Want to work less and earn more? You'll need a big dose of luck for that." </I><BR/><BR/>This is the thing that trips lots of people up. They believe that to earn more, you'll have to work harder.<BR/><BR/>Unfortunately, it doesn't really work that way. The world is full of poor people who work very hard, such as construction workers; foreign maids; and vegetable sellers.Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-27437607773220235102008-08-28T10:02:00.000+08:002008-08-28T10:02:00.000+08:00You can choose not to compete, but you will lose o...You can choose not to compete, but you will lose out on the prizes. <BR/><BR/>If you're fine with that, then go run your own race. <BR/><BR/>If you don't want compete in the rat race, then learn to be happy with less money. <BR/><BR/>Want to work less and earn more? You'll need a big dose of luck for that.HanSolohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12659172867862106816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-8985740768410197112008-08-28T09:05:00.000+08:002008-08-28T09:05:00.000+08:00Anon (August 27, 2008 6:22 PM):Your entire stateme...Anon (August 27, 2008 6:22 PM):<BR/><BR/>Your entire statements a cynical flame. Conceited statements & delegating someone else to provide statistics and facts for your arguments do your post little justice.<BR/><BR/>"<BR/>Ans: The author. He said "I think"."<BR/>I know. And I'm asking him to justify it. I can say easily my generation likes kids. The fact that I don't have to qualify my statement makes it as true that "I don't like kids".<BR/><BR/>(see Mr. Wang: Math is useful in real life)<BR/><BR/>"milk/ enrichment class/ etc... moolah"<BR/>If you are so broke that you have nothing to eat, then I would agree that having children is probably not a good idea. However, one can do without enrichment classes, childcare, cars or maid. I grew up with none of these. There's also a similar complaint I often hear from people living in HDBs of how tough life is that they are not living in condos. I live in a HDB for over 28 years. I still live in one when I come home to visit, and not the Ritz.<BR/><BR/>"Are you Lee Bee Wah in disguise?"<BR/>No I'm not. I don't know who he is.<BR/><BR/>"Statistically speaking, I believe there is some correlation. Mr Wang as ex-DPP may be in a better position to answer."<BR/><BR/>I'll be very happy to have a look at your statistics.<BR/>I was from a broke & broken family too.<BR/><BR/>I don't presume to give people advice, solicited or otherwise. But success is merely overcoming of adversity. Identifying hurdles and formulating specific, long termed strategy (as opposed to griping about what one doesn't have or circumstances) to overcome them is, generally speaking, a good idea.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-29674028020928416682008-08-28T08:45:00.000+08:002008-08-28T08:45:00.000+08:00Anon (August 27, 2008 6:06 PM):"Check with Mr. Wan...Anon (August 27, 2008 6:06 PM):<BR/><BR/>"Check with Mr. Wang"<BR/>Mr. Wang is not the only person who knows IB. He doesn't have nor claim a monopoly on truth or IB. Please come up with your own points.<BR/><BR/>"As Singapore moves to a knowledge-based industry with no minimum wage and easy employment of foreign workers ... a degree is MORE IMPORTANT than ever kiddo."<BR/><BR/>Would you care to expand on this line of argument?<BR/><BR/>By no means am I dismissing degrees but rather emphasising that a degree is just one more common life qualification, as compared to say 3 decades ago, when it was 'special'.<BR/><BR/>Especially in a knowledge driven industry, the degree cannot bestow much advantage in the real world as the knowledge one gains in the university is easily out paced by real world needs.<BR/><BR/>Take IT, financial derivatives and the medicine. They are constantly evolving and practising professionals need to constantly upgrade.<BR/><BR/>It is annoying to be corrected using sweeping, unsubstantiated, poorly argued, patronising cynical anonymity. For starters, I don't like addressing people by anon(time stamp). If you want to correct me, at least have the courtesy to argue your points.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-20708459350184391642008-08-28T00:07:00.000+08:002008-08-28T00:07:00.000+08:00I was actually thinking about this the other day -...I was actually thinking about this the other day - would I have taken up more activities I was interested in as a schoolchild if my parents hadn't said to concentrate on my studies? After all, they never prohibited me from doing other stuff and quite happily attended my various outside school performances and concerts (non-CCA) that I got involved in out of interest and even encouraged me to take part in them whenever I asked for permission. They always caveated their permission with "as long as it doesn't interfere with school work, but they never stopped me.<BR/><BR/>I stopped of my own accord, because I bought into the prevailing mindset and wanted to be a high-flyer, high-earner. I think even if one has permissive parents, the attitudes of society at large can affect young people in a very pervasive and insidious way. I think that in order to counter this effect, parents must actually actively encourage their children to pursue their interests - even if they are just neutral or slightly positive about such things it is very difficult for young people to go their own way and explore their interests freely.<BR/><BR/>-IsraphaleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-87149877382421950012008-08-28T00:06:00.000+08:002008-08-28T00:06:00.000+08:00I was actually thinking about this the other day -...I was actually thinking about this the other day - would I have taken up more activities I was interested in as a schoolchild if my parents hadn't said to concentrate on my studies? After all, they never prohibited me from doing other stuff and quite happily attended my various outside school performances and concerts (non-CCA) that I got involved in out of interest and even encouraged me to take part in them whenever I asked for permission. They always caveated their permission with "as long as it doesn't interfere with school work, but they never stopped me.<BR/><BR/>I stopped of my own accord, because I bought into the prevailing mindset and wanted to be a high-flyer, high-earner. I think even if one has permissive parents, the attitudes of society at large can affect young people in a very pervasive and insidious way. I think that in order to counter this effect, parents must actually actively encourage their children to pursue their interests - even if they are just neutral or slightly positive about such things it is very difficult for young people to go their own way and explore their interests freely.<BR/><BR/>-IsraphaleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-45800899904876241102008-08-27T22:33:00.000+08:002008-08-27T22:33:00.000+08:00And a scarcity mindset goes like this:"There is no...And a scarcity mindset goes like this:<BR/><BR/>"There is not enough to go around. If others have it, then I have been deprived and I can't have it."<BR/><BR/>An abundance mindset goes like this:<BR/><BR/>"There is plenty to go around. Everyone can have it. If it runs out, let's make more."<BR/><BR/>Essentially most competitions are based on a scarcity mindset. Eg "There are only 3 prizes, and 100 contestants". <BR/><BR/>It closes your eyes to other possibilities, eg "Even if I can't get that prize, it's fine. I can get something better elsewhere. If I can't get it, I'll just create it for myself."Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-79887201305128282312008-08-27T22:22:00.000+08:002008-08-27T22:22:00.000+08:00our kind of competition is based on jealousy not e...our kind of competition is based on jealousy not envy.<BR/><BR/>J is wat others hv I make sure they dun hv.<BR/><BR/>E is wat others hv I want to hv.<BR/><BR/>E is less evil than J.<BR/><BR/>How abt wat I hv I make sure others can't hv??? I think that is R - R for ruthless....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-41303361749076054312008-08-27T21:24:00.000+08:002008-08-27T21:24:00.000+08:00Very true.I believe creativity is also of the same...Very true.<BR/><BR/>I believe creativity is also of the same nature. You are creative once you think you are. But when you try to be creative, you are not being creative.<BR/><BR/>But I digress. <BR/><BR/>I would refer again to a comment i made on another thread.<BR/><BR/>I would think it is due to the Singaporean government being too good in a certain sense.<BR/><BR/>Everything is put clearly in the reward-effort links. You study, you get into a good school, you do cca , get more cca pts, get into better school, get good job, get money. There are even awards or incentives to have kids!<BR/><BR/>I would say Singaporeans are tuned to think more about extrinsic wants and needs, like material wants, and of course, money. <BR/><BR/>Everything must have a clear effort-reward line for Singaporeans to be interested in.<BR/>"Get into this CCA, network with high net-worth clients!" <BR/><BR/>Passion is usually defined as pa$$ion more often than not. <BR/><BR/>A banker once came to my uni to give an interesting insight about having a job in investment banks.<BR/>As a joke he commented: "Contrary to popular belief, bankers actually have time to go home...to shower." He had explained the long hours of work, the dedication needed and the nature of the work. <BR/>I had asked many friends why they want to enter into Finance/Banking. They know of the drawbacks that at the age of 40, they will be RICH, bald and still single. But they will be rich!<BR/><BR/>A lot of Singaporeans are still stuck on the lower steps of "Maslow's hierarchy of needs". Many still think money = happiness. Or that a person's life can be fulfilled entirely through extrinsic means. <BR/><BR/>I quote a good friend, who goes by the nickname of Tee: "Only when money is no longer a concern, then more money can be made". This is something I agree with wholeheartedly.<BR/><BR/>Life can be a competition, i don't disregard it. Everyone strives to attain their own dreams in their own way. Singaporeans' problem seem to more more of "Why must life be a competition for material wants?"<BR/><BR/>Yes, having $1 Billion in the bank is going to be good. But it doesn't carry over to you know where. "Hardly do you find anyone on the deathbed wishing that they had spent more time in the office". Responsibilities like family and bringing home the bacon is important, but enjoy life the way you want it to be and never ever plan for "retirement".Michael Nghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08981985006341950958noreply@blogger.com