Just for Fun: Translation Project

Last weekend by destiny sitting on a random pile in a public library, a children's book fell into my hands that though I couldn't fully understand because it was in Chinese, I was compelled to take photos of each page knowing it offered a way through philosophical conundrums that have been troubling me.  Written by Oscar Brenefier and illustrated by Jacques Despres, the book is originally in French (Le Sens de la Vie) and has been translated into twenty languages except in English which is quite perplexing.  

I don't want to run into copyright issues putting this out in my blog, but this translation is just for fun and for cathartic purposes.  Also remember that this is a translation of a translation so you can imagine what must have gotten lost on the convoluted way to English from French to Chinese.  Hopefully, there'd be readers adept at both languages who can help smoothen it out further.  Despite the imperfections, it's still an eye-opening, sleep-depriving exercise.  

The Meaning of Life 

Regarding the meaning of life, different people have different or even completely opposing ideas.

Some people believe that life only has meaning when it is rich in significance.

But others believe that life is more meaningful when it is not as rich in significance.

Some people believe that life is interesting when we are busy and there are many things to do.

But others believe that life makes sense only when we do nothing, enjoying quietly the passage of time.

Some people believe that the meaning of life is to accept, accept painful experiences and all the difficulties we face.

But others believe that the meaning of life is to escape, to avoid pain and suffering and to find lasting happiness.

Some people believe that the meaning of life is to work hard, earn money and find their own place in society.
But others believe that exerting too much effort is a waste of life and work is entirely a waste of time. 

Some people believe that the purpose of life is to be happy and satisfied with what one has.  

But others believe that the meaning of life is to be constantly in pursuit of something and that this is the only way to be happy.

Some people believe that life should always be fun and one can always be happy. 

But others believe that the meaning of life is to value time which is a serious matter. 

Some people believe that we live for others, that we live to love them and be concerned about their well-being.

But others believe that the meaning of life is to live for oneself and that other people disturb and bother one’s life. 

Some people believe that life is so precious so we must do everything possible to live a good life. 

But others believe that life is very far from important ideals like freedom and truth.   

Some people think that our life is only meaningful if we forget death and everything that is sad.  

But others believe that to better grasp the meaning of life, we must always be aware that life is fragile and doesn’t last forever. 

Some people believe that the meaning of life is to strive to realize their dreams no matter how crazy those dreams may be.

But others believe that the meaning of life is to accept reality and calmly go through life in peace.

Some people believe that the meaning of life is to do what we want as long as we think it’s good. 

But others believe that the meaning of life is to follow rules and bear responsibilities. 

Some people believe that life is tiring since day after day, we always do the same thing. 

But others believe that life is exciting and from time to time, there are surprises and we can always create what we want. 

How about you?  What do you think? 

It’s a spectrum of beliefs about the meaning of life disguised in a children’s book that’s attractive to adults as well.  Indeed, it’s the author’s passionate advocacy to bring philosophy to children and adults.  It made me think where I stood in the spectrum of opposing beliefs.  While I would stand firmly on some ends, there were others where I vacillated between poles, creating tension and confusion.  Then there are beliefs held by people close to me that are completely different from mine which are sources of conflict and pain.  This book reminds me that it shouldn’t because it’s just a variation in perception and thinking that one ought to respect, no matter how inconvenient. 

  

What if you believe in being busy, exerting effort and doing many things but you live with somebody who has a much more relaxed stance, who could watch tv all day and simply enjoy life without effort?  What if you thought money wasn’t important before but then everything changed when you became a parent and you realize you have a lot of catching up to do to be able to support your child responsibly?  What if you’d like to be happy and satisfied with what you have but you'd also like to be in constant pursuit of something that keeps evolving in front of you?  What if you lived your life before believing you didn’t need others only to realize that this concept was borne of hurt and you want to live for others instead?   What if you want to strive to attain your crazy, seemingly unreachable dreams but it seems too late in the game so why not just surrender and calmly go through life, tranquil and content?  What if those dreams gnaw at the back of your mind but there are practical realities to think of?  

All those questions bugged me through the night after translating that darned kiddie book.  Darn!  The book doesn’t have the answers, only more questions for me to burn.