| Año 3 • No. 135 • marzo 29 de 2004 | Xalapa • Veracruz • México | Publicación
Semanal |
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The
need for speed?
Jay Bildstein |
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| While
Mexico traditionally runs at a slower pace, in terms of lifestyle,
than the United States, metropolises such as Mexico City, Guadalajara
and Monterrey are fast moving. This is of particular interest in light
of a recently released study by the United Nations claiming that in
2007, for the first time in history, the majority of the world’s
peoples will live in cities. Cities, world round, are known for their hectic lifestyles. Provincial living, in contrast, has as its hallmark the dual ethic of greater tranquility and civility. In short order 50% of us will being living in urban areas and since this means speeding up the pace of our lives, it forces upon us the question “What is this need for speed?” While the get it done yesterday mentality that pervades major cities may yield business based productivity, this mad dash toward progress potentially comes with a high price. It can affect our health. Speed and efficiency are not synonymous. Are we really better off in a world where all movement has been shifted to fast forward? Makes me think of a story. It seems a young man wanted to become highly proficient in Karate, so he moved to the Orient in search of a master. Finding his Karate master in some obscure burb, he questioned the venerable teacher on how long it would take him to become an expert in the martial art. “Practice 4 hours a day for 5 years and you will have attained a good level of proficiency” said the master. The student was put off “I will practice 8 hours a day, so then how long should it take me?” he demanded. “In that case” continued the master “10 years.” Cities have their benefits and allure. Provincial living has its romance. In either case, we need to pace our lives realistically. Perhaps, a little less speed in the city, a little more in rural areas. |
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