| TN: |
How would you rate the government's ongoing reform efforts? |
| JC: |
Well, they could make a better beer. Especially when things heat up,
a good lager helps cool things down . |
| TN: |
Do you think current pension reform measures are adequate? |
| JC: |
That depends on the notion of adequacy. It is certainly adequate for the rich. Could I have another pitcher, please? |
| TN: |
But don't you think an income tax hike is justified, given the grave financial situation at hand? |
| JC: |
Hmm, people have such interesting ways of justifying what they do. I can tell you this beer goes down mighty smoothly. No justifications needed there. |
| TN: |
You aren't taking this interview seriously. |
| JC: |
Roger. Do you think any of my opinions matter? Do you believe anything that I write or say actually matters an iota? Get this straight – you and I are basically irrelevant. The system has a pre-set trajectory, which at this point appears to be oblivion. Your entire life is simply a bubble on this beer! |
| TN: |
That's a cop out – don't we have a genuine impact on how the world turns? |
| JC: |
Get real: your existence is but a quantum fluctuation and lifespan a mere ephemera.
In the big picture, you're basically insignificant. So shake off your notions of "importance" and enjoy good beer or basically anything delightful when it appears. Be kind-hearted and share the suds with those around you. Soon enough, there will be no barrel, no brew, no self. |
| TN: |
No one will take such talk seriously. |
| JC: |
Do you think ordinary conversation is serious? |
| TN: |
Well, anything worth saying? |
| TN: |
(crunching on a cold cucumber) Yah, interview some mountains, trees, or rivers.
They are wiser than us. And be generous with what you have. You're going to lose it all anyway
in a flicker – so share generously when you can. |
